While periods look different for everyone both pre and post-pregnancy, it can be helpful to have an idea of what your first postpartum period may be like, especially after having a c-section. This guide will go through what a c-section is, when you might expect your period to return and what you might experience when it does come back.

What is a c-section?

A caesarean section, or c-section, is an operation to deliver your baby and is an alternative to vaginal delivery. During the operation, the doctor will make a cut just below your bikini line through your abdomen and womb. They can then lift your baby out through the incision. There are two types of c-sections:

• Planned (elective) - this is where you decide to have a c-section before going into labour and usually happens at 39 weeks of pregnancy. 
• Unplanned (emergency) - if there’s concern for you or your baby’s wellbeing, or your labour isn’t progressing, you may have an unplanned c-section so your baby is delivered more quickly.  

Once you’ve had a c-section, you normally stay in hospital for one to two days after to recover. Here, you’ll be given painkillers, your wound will be covered with a dressing and you’ll be encouraged to move around. You should also get plenty of close contact and quality time with your newborn and may start breastfeeding.

Most women experience some pain and discomfort after giving birth through c-section. It tends to take around six weeks to fully recove r but of course, everyone is different. If you’re still in pain or don’t feel you have recovered after six weeks or you’re concerned about anything before then, get in touch with your GP. 

When will my period return after a c-section? 

As everyone’s bodies are different, there’s no exact timeline as to when you’ll get your first postpartum period. For those who bottle feed or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, your period could restart around five to six weeks after your c-section. While it’s possible to have periods while breastfeeding, those who exclusively breastfeed may not have a period until they reduce the frequency or stop altogether.  It can be anywhere from four months to two years after birth that your period returns.  

You can get pregnant within three weeks of giving birth, however, so it’s important to start using contraception to avoid another pregnancy. Some contraception methods aren’t recommended if you’ve had a c-section due to a higher risk of a blood clot  so always make sure to speak to your midwife or GP about the best option for you.