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Childbirth/menstrual period after birth

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Expert: - 11/7/2008


Question
After the delivery of my third son, one week later I started my period. It has been three weeks now, is this a normal length? My period also started approximately the same time as I started to exercise. Are there any relations between the two? I exercise every day of the week (determine to loose all of that baby weight before returning to work) with a mix of stretches/pilates/and elliptical. I was physically active before the pregnancy and feel great after the workout. I really don't want to stop working out however this period is very frustrating. If I continue to workout will the bleeding eventually stop?


Answer
Roxanne,

Since the bleeding started a week postpartum, coincided with when you resumed exercising and has lasted three weeks, I suspect that it isn't your period at all, but a continuation of lochia, or bleeding after childbirth.


This can commonly occur when you overexert your body after giving birth.  The uterus needs time to heal and recover from the pregnancy and too much exercise will slow the healing process.


I would take a few days off, rest as much as possible and see what happens.  If the bleeding doesn't lessen or stop within a week, see your doctor to rule out any other complications.


Best,
Catherine

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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