Why do women who breastfeed a lot after delivery get their periods late? Is this dangerous?

Many changes happen in a woman's body after delivery. One of them is not getting periods on time. Let us tell you when this condition becomes dangerous.

After delivery, many changes occur in the body of a women. One of them is not getting periods on time. Many times, women think that this is some disease or hormonal problem. But in reality it is a normal process, especially if the woman is breastfeeding. After pregnancy and delivery, the body of a woman remains in recovery mode. During this time, a hormone called prolactin increases in the body. This hormone is responsible for producing milk. According to medical research, excessive breast feeding keeps the level of prolactin high. This hormone stops the process of ovulation i.e., egg release. When the egg is not released, then periods will also not come.

For how long can periods stop?

 

 

According to the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), if a woman is completely breast feeding then periods may not come for 6 months or even more. In some cases it can be delayed up to a year. If the woman reduces feeding or gives formula milk then periods may come early.

Is it dangerous?

No, it is not dangerous. This is a natural process of the body. Due to hormonal changes in breast feeding women, ovulation starts late, so periods also come late. However, if periods do not come even after 1 year of delivery, or there is abdominal pain, bleeding or other symptoms, then definitely consult a doctor.

Can pregnancy occur during this period?

Many people believe that pregnancy cannot happen until periods come. But this is not true. Ovulation can happen before periods, so there is a risk of pregnancy if you have sex without protection. According to experts, if you do not want pregnancy despite breast feeding, then consult a doctor and use birth control.

benefits of breast feeding

Breast feeding is not only beneficial for the baby but also for the mother. It boosts the baby's immunity and helps in the contraction of the uterus for the mother. It also delays periods naturally, giving the body time to recover.

 

Delay in periods after delivery is a normal process, especially if you are breast feeding a lot. This happens due to hormonal changes and is not dangerous. But if periods do not come for a very long time, then it is necessary to get a checkup done by a doctor.