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Childbirth/period after c-section

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Expert: - 12/22/2009


Question
I had my c-section in Sept. I had my 6 week period but I've still not had a regular period. I am not breast feeding, so what could be the reason?

Answer
Brittney,


It's completely normal that your cycle hasn't resumed.  The most likely explanation is that your body isn't ready to support another pregnancy so soon.  Pregnancy and a c-section take a lot of time to recover from and for your hormone levels to go back to normal.

So, unless you are having unprotected intercourse, then it's likely that your body just needs time to go back to its pre-pregnancy state.  If you are having unprotected intercourse, then you may well be pregnant without having had a normal period.  Hopefully, this is not the case, as it would put undue stress on your uterus so soon after a c-section.


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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