Ovulation cycles can be unpredictable and confusing, which makes knowing the signs of ovulation after giving birth essential in using contraception appropriately.
Most breastfeeding women don’t start menstruating until six weeks postpartum; however, some may start their period sooner. A 2011 study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology demonstrated that non-breastfeeding mothers typically begin ovulating between 45 to 94 days postpartum.
Signs of Ovulation After Giving Birth
1. Increased Libido
Women experience an increase in libido around ovulation due to hormones like estrogen and LH peaking during this time. This signal shows an indication of fertility returning.
Similarly, breastfeeding mothers should use birth control until sex feels safe and enjoyable to both of you. If sexual desire changes significantly over time, use personal lubricants and communicate with your partner about what works for both of you.
As well as experiencing an altered libido, you might notice your cervical mucus changing from sticky and thick to light and clear – this could be a telltale sign that ovulation is near and protection should be utilized prior to that happening.
If no condom exists yet, discuss methods with your partner on how you can still enjoy sexual pleasure without penetration (or at all!). Additionally, pelvic pain could indicate this point.
2. Mild Pelvic Pain or Twinges
Pregnancy hormones fluctuate to prepare you for ovulation and menstruation. Once your period ends, however, these fluctuations become harder to identify; particularly if breastfeeding.
If you experience pelvic pain as your hormones shift back into balance, this could be a telltale sign that ovulation has occurred or will soon. Typically, this pain feels like pressure on your pelvic bone and sometimes radiates to your thighs – this sensation could also occur during physical activity such as walking or sitting for long periods.
However, it’s essential that if the pain persists or worsens, to seek advice from your physician immediately. Furthermore, your healthcare provider might recommend treatments such as physiotherapy.
3. A Slight Increase in Basal Body Temperature
Tracking their basal body temperature (BBT) can help women hoping to conceive identify when their most fertile days are. An increase in BBT, usually seen when progesterone peaks and releases an egg, indicates ovulation has either happened or will soon take place.
Digital basal thermometers provide the most reliable way of tracking BBT. Their sensors take readings right after you wake up before any activity, while forehead or ear thermometers may not.
If you are breastfeeding, your BBT may take time to return to its pre-pregnancy levels. In the meantime, try having sex daily or every other day during what’s known as your “fertile window.”
When this occurs, typically an increase in basal body temperature corresponds with a dip in levels of luteinizing hormone – increasing chances of pregnancy while using condoms provides protection from STDs and provides equal protection for both genders.
4. Breast Tenderness or Sensitivity
Breast tenderness or sensitivity could be an indicator that ovulation has occurred or has returned after giving birth, due to increased estrogen levels accompanied by abdominal cramping and possibly increased sexual desire (known as Mittelschmerz). Cervical mucus also changes throughout your menstrual cycle and light and clear cervical mucus may also indicate you’re ovulating.
As breastfeeding may suppress ovulation, breastfeeding regularly could extend your periods. Switching or supplementing to formula, introducing solids early or nursing for shorter intervals could all speed up this process and bring on your period sooner than anticipated – thus making breastfeeding unsuitable as sole method of birth control.
How Long After Giving Birth Does Ovulation Typically Occur
After giving birth, it takes time for a woman’s body to return to its normal rhythm. In the first six weeks post-birth, the chances of ovulating are extremely slight. Ovulation may take some time to resume.
According to a 2011 review of previous studies, women typically experience their first ovulation between 45 to 94 days after childbirth. Most women start ovulating at least six weeks after giving birth, while some do so sooner.
Women who do not breastfeed usually ovulate earlier compared to those who do breastfeed. However, it is worth noting that a woman’s first ovulation cycle might occur before her first postpartum period.
For lactating women, it takes about 6-8 months after birth for them to ovulate again and have regular menstrual cycles. Conversely, if a woman chooses not to breastfeed her baby, hormonal control returns quickly with ovulation occurring between 4 and 8 weeks after childbirth. It is important to remember that during this period, conception is possible as ovulation can happen before menstruation.
How Does Breastfeeding Affect Ovulation After Giving Birth?
Breastfeeding can have an impact on ovulation following childbirth. Let’s delve into a few ways in which breastfeeding affects the occurrence of ovulation:
Lactational amenorrhea occurs when breastfeeding suppresses ovulation. The release of prolactin during breastfeeding inhibits the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are responsible for ovulation. The duration of regular breastfeeding determines how long it takes for menstruation and ovulation to resume, with each individual’s experience being unique.
The frequency and intensity of breastfeeding can impact ovulation. When women breastfeed more frequently and for longer durations, the likelihood of ovulation decreases compared to those who breastfeed less often or for shorter periods.
The return of ovulation after childbirth follows a specific timeline for women. In the case of lactating mothers, it typically takes around 6-8 months postpartum before they regain their fertility and start experiencing regular menstrual cycles again. Conversely, for those women who opt not to breastfeed their baby, hormonal control resumes more quickly. These women can expect ovulation to occur within 4 to 8 weeks after giving birth.
Lactational amenorrhea is not a reliable form of birth control, especially for breastfeeding women. It’s crucial to use an additional method of contraception if they want to avoid pregnancy. Furthermore, conception can occur before menstruation resumes, meaning that becoming pregnant without the resumption of periods is still possible.
