After childbirth, a woman's body undergoes many changes. One of the most notable is the return of periods or diaper return. These two phenomena, although similar, are different and it is important to understand them to better understand this postpartum period.
Childbirth: an upheaval for the body
Childbirth marks the end of pregnancy and the beginning of a new stage in a woman's life. However, it is also an event that upsets the body, which must readjust to its previous state. During pregnancy, the uterus has grown significantly to accommodate the baby. After giving birth, he must regain his taille and its initial position. This process, called involution, is accompanied by bleeding, commonly called "lochia".
Lochia: a natural phenomenon
Lochia is vaginal bleeding that occurs after childbirth. They are a sign that the uterus is contracting and cleaning itself. Lochia generally lasts 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth. At first, the lochia is bright red and abundant, then it turns pink, brown and finally yellowish.Diaper return: a temporary phenomenon
Le layer return is the first bleeding that occurs after childbirth, apart from lochia. It is not a question of periods, but of ovulatory bleeding, a sign that the ovaries have resumed their activity. The return of labor can occur as early as the 3rd week after giving birth for women who are not breastfeeding, and up to several months for those who breastfeed exclusively.
The characteristics of the layer return
- Light to moderate bleeding
- Variable duration, usually shorter than periods
- May be accompanied by symptoms of ovulation (cervical mucus, slight stomach pain, etc.)
The return of periods: the sign of a new cycle
The return of periods, for its part, marks the start of a new menstrual cycle. It generally occurs several weeks after the return of childbirth, when the uterus has regained its taille and position normal. The return of periods can be disrupted by breastfeeding, which can delay its onset.
However, breastfeeding is not a reliable method of contraception. The return of periods may also be different from pre-pregnancy periods, with heavier or lighter bleeding, and longer or shorter cycles.
The characteristics of the return of rules
- Bleeding more abundant than the return of the diaper
- Duration similar to pre-pregnancy periods
- May be accompanied by premenstrual symptoms (sore breasts, mood swings, etc.)
Summary of the differences layer return vs. return of period
Diaper return
- Usually occurs between 6 and 8 weeks after giving birth if you are not breastfeeding.
- Longer and more abundant than normal rules.
- Bleeding may be irregular and accompanied by clots.
- Means that the uterus is recovering and returning to its taille normal.
Return of rules
- Occurs after returning from diaper or end of breastfeeding.
- Indicates that the menstrual cycle has returned to its normal rhythm.
- Bleeding may be longer or heavier than normal periods, but usually become regular after a few months.
| Criterion | Diaper return | Return of rules |
|---|---|---|
| Time of appearance | 6-8 weeks after giving birth (if you are not breastfeeding) | After returning from diaper or at the end of breastfeeding |
| Duration | Longer than normal periods | Shorter than diaper return |
| Abondance | More heavy than normal periods | Lighter than diaper return |
| Regularity | Irregular | Regular after a few months |
| Meaning | Recovery of the uterus | Resumption of the menstrual cycle |
| Associated symptoms | Ovulation symptoms (cervical mucus, slight stomach pain, etc.) | Premenstrual symptoms (sore breasts, mood swings, etc.) |
| Contraception | Requires a method of contraception upon return from confinement | Requires a method of contraception upon return of period |
| Fertility | Possibility of getting pregnant as soon as you return from childbirth | Possibility of getting pregnant as soon as your period returns |
Live better postpartum
Although these two phenomena may seem similar, they are actually signs of different processes in the body. Understanding these differences is essential to get through this period better and make informed choices regarding contraception.
By being informed and prepared, women can better anticipate the changes to come and experience this transition period with complete confidence. Do not hesitate to speak with your doctor or midwife to obtain personalized advice adapted to your situation. Ultimately, understanding the distinction between the return of diapers and the return of periods is an essential key to fully experiencing the postpartum period and taking care of your sexual and reproductive health.
