How To Treat Heavy Periods After Childbirth
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Experiences of pregnancy and childbirth are different for each woman. Sometimes, you may sail smoothly through the process and sometimes it may demand a lot of exertion and stress.
A common physical stress that is usually faced during the post-partum phase is heavy flow during periods. There are several side effects to this problem – your iron and haemoglobin count may dip, you may experience stronger cramps, feel constant fatigue and also suffer from low blood pressure. Plus, you might have become overly conscious or embarrassed due to leaks.
It is usually normal to have heavy bleeding during the first few cycles after childbirth and weaning. Having said that, you must consider discussing the matter with your obstetrician-gynaecologist, if they are consistently on the heavier side.
Reasons Behind Heavy Periods During The Post-Pregnancy Phase
There could be many reasons why you may experience heavy bleeding after your pregnancy or weaning, and they are:
1. Postpartum Haemorrhage
Although it is not very common in countries with advanced medical facilities, it could be one of the main causes of heavy and persistent bleeding after childbirth. It begins as a normal post-pregnancy bleeding but may continue even after 12 weeks of birth.
Such bleeding may be caused due to conditions like obesity, preeclampsia, infections, and remaining portions of placental material/tissues inside the womb (1). In fact, remnant placenta can cause a havoc to your breastfeeding routines, as it tells your body to remain in the pregnancy mode, not allowing sufficient milk secretion (2).
So, if you experience continuous heavy bleeding that doesn’t slow down, consult a doctor about a possible placental residue.
2. Hormonal Issues
Hormonal imbalance after childbirth is very common and may be the cause of your excess blood flow. Breast feeding encourages the body to produce a hormone called oxytocin, which helps the uterus to shrink. When there is a hormonal imbalance, the uterus might not contract properly. This may lead to excessive bleeding. If you are facing obesity problems, then it can be an added factor behind the disruption of normal hormonal activity.
3. Underlying Gynaecological Issues
Sometimes, the delivery may pass smoothly, but you may develop certain conditions or discover problems that had been underlying in your body all along. And such problems may also contribute towards heavy bleeding. For example, if you develop endometriosis, it may lead to continuous vaginal bleeding after childbirth (3). Similarly, fertility issues like PCOS, thyroid problems or presence of fibroids in the uterus can also lead to heavy bleeding after birth.
How to Deal With Post-Natal Heavy Bleeding
If you are facing similar episodes of continuous and heavy period flow, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
1. Pills
If you are given birth control pills by your doctor to manage the bleeding, you may consider seeing another specialist. Pills only work superficially and relieve the symptoms, but may not treat your actual condition. Consult someone who would take a detailed check-up and then advice appropriate medication.
2. Lifestyle Changes
Make healthier choices when you are planning your meals. Junk or take-aways may seem convenient but they are not suitable to give your body the healing, nourishment, and support that it needs to cope with the blood loss.
3. Exercise
Depending on whether you had a vaginal or caesarean delivery, the health professionals will suggest some exercises to you that will help you to tone and contract the uterine muscles. This may be a great help in alleviating the symptoms of bleeding. It also helps to restore your hormonal balance.
4. Seeking Help
Constant heavy bleeding is not only bad for your body, it is equally bad for your mental health. You may experience depression, anxiety, or embarrassment and it is not okay to suffer alone. Talk to your family and your doctors who will give you the right support to cope with and treat the problem.
Many women face heavy bleeding after their baby is born, and if you happen to be one of them, don’t worry. There are adequate medical interventions that will address this issue and give you due relief from such persistent bleeding. Also, don’t forget to take good care of yourself so that the process of recovery is sooner and better!
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