Periods After Pregnancy

PRINT SHARE share via Facebook share via Email

There is a total of 5 errors on this form, details are below.

• Please enter your name
• Please enter your email
• Your email is invalid. Please check and try again
• Please enter recipient's email
• Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again
• Agree to Terms required

Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. Your name: is required

Error: This is required

Your email: is required

Error: This is required

Error: Not a valid value

Send to: is required

Error: This is required

Error: Not a valid value

Error: This is required

I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy is required.

If your bleeding is getting heavier and you have given birth within the last 6 weeks, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Key facts

• During pregnancy, your periods stop because your body keeps the lining of the uterus to support the growing baby.
• Some people experience bleeding during pregnancy, which can be normal, but it's important to check with your doctor or midwife.
• After birth, bleeding is normal as your uterus returns to its normal size, which can take up to 2 months.
• Your periods might return 4 to 6 weeks after birth if you bottle-feed or they may take a few months to return if you exclusively breastfeed your baby.
• Wait until your 6-week check-up before using tampons; use pads if needed before then.

On this page

• Why did my periods stop during pregnancy?
• Can I bleed during pregnancy?
• What can I expect after the birth?
• When should I see a doctor?
• When will my periods return?
• Does breastfeeding affect my periods?
• Will a period affect the taste of my breastmilk?
• What contraception should I use and when should I start using it?
• When is it OK to use tampons again after pregnancy?
• Resources and support
• Related information on Australian websites

Why did my periods stop during pregnancy?

Each month, your body goes through a cycle of changes to prepare for a possible pregnancy.

If you don't become pregnant, the lining of your uterus (womb) sheds — this blood is your period. If you do become pregnant, your body keeps the lining of your uterus. That's why you stop getting periods during pregnancy.

Can I bleed during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant and have heavy bleeding or strong pain or feel very unwell, go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately, or call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Even though your periods stop, you may still experience bleeding during pregnancy. This happens in almost 1 in 4 people for different reasons.

Many people who bleed during pregnancy go on to give birth to a healthy baby. However, you should immediately contact your doctor or midwife if you notice bleeding from your vagina at any time during your pregnancy.

In early pregnancy, bleeding can happen when the fertilised egg implants itself in your womb. This is known as implantation bleeding. It normally only lasts for a few days.

Bleeding during early pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of a problem with the pregnancy. For example, it can happen if the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus — this is called an ectopic pregnancy. It could also signal a miscarriage.

In the later stages of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding can have many different causes.

What can I expect after the birth?

If you have recently had a baby and experience heavy bleeding or strong pain or feel very unwell, go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately, or call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

In the first few days after birth, it's normal to have some period-like bleeding. This happens as your uterus contracts back to the size it was before pregnancy.

Bleeding immediately after birth can be heavy. It can also be bright red for the first couple of days, but gradually becomes a brownish colour before it stops after about 2 months.

Bleeding might be heavier in the morning when you get up, after breastfeeding or after exercise. If you are worried, speak with your doctor or midwife.

Uncontrolled heavy bleeding after birth, called a postpartum haemorrhage, can be serious and life threatening.

When should I see a doctor?

Contact your doctor or midwife immediately if you have recently given birth and you notice:

• blood that soaks more than one pad every 1 to 2 hours
• a sudden increase in blood or large clots
• blood that suddenly turns bright red in colour
• sweating, dizziness, weakness or trouble breathing
• any other unusual post-birth bleeding

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

When will my periods return?

After birth, your periods will return at your body's own pace. It's possible for your periods to return as soon as 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth.

If you bottle feed or partially breastfeed your baby, you'll tend to start having periods sooner than if you exclusively breastfeed.

If you choose to breastfeed exclusively, your first period may not return for several months. For those who keep breastfeeding, it might not return for 1 to 2 years.

There is no way to know if your periods will return the same way they were before you were pregnant. If you experience a different kind of period pain or your periods have changed, speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist what type of period pain medicine you can take if you are breastfeeding.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

Does breastfeeding affect my periods?

Not having your periods while you're breastfeeding is common. How long it lasts depends on how often you breastfeed and when you introduce other food into your baby's diet.

It's hard to predict when your periods will return after you give birth. How you feed your baby is only one factor that influences this.

Will a period affect the taste of my breastmilk?

If you notice that your baby fusses at your breast when you have your period, it might be a sign that it tastes different. Usually these changes are only for a short time.

If you are worried about anything related to breastfeeding, you can speak to a lactation consultant, a health professional who specialises in breastfeeding.

What contraception should I use and when should I start using it?

If you don't want to get pregnant, you should use contraception (birth control). All forms of contraception lower your chances of getting pregnant, so long as they are used correctly.

Once you start ovulating, you can get pregnant. Ovulation can happen before you have your first period after giving birth.

You can still get pregnant if you are breastfeeding. There are several safe contraception options you can consider while breastfeeding, such as:

• condoms
• an intrauterine device (IUD)
• the minipill
• the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)

Talk with your doctor for advice before resuming sexual activity.

When is it OK to use tampons again after pregnancy?

It's best not to use tampons until after your medical check at 6 weeks after you give birth. If your normal periods return before this, use a sanitary pad until your doctor gives you advice.

Resources and support

• If you have questions or concerns, speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician / gynaecologist.
• The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) has a wide range of information and support services for new parents.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

The Multicultural Centre for Women's Health has a catalogue of health resources, available in more than 70 languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Strong Women Strong Babies has a diary that gives you information on how to look after yourself and your baby in pregnancy and the busy weeks after the birth.

The Koori Maternity Service (KMS) program provides access to holistic, culturally safe maternity care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: September 2024

Back To Top

Related pages

• Sex after having a baby
• Your first few days after giving birth
• Ovulation and fertility
• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Managing period pain

Search our site for

• Menstruation
• Pregnancy

Breastfeeding and your period | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Learn how breastfeeding influences your menstrual cycle, what changes to expect when your period returns, and how your period may affect breastfeeding. Find answers to common questions and practical tips for mums.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Menstruation problems - myDr.com.au

Find out about common menstruation problems: amenorrhoea (absence of periods), dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) and menorrhagia (heavy periods).

Read more on myDoctor website

Menstrual cycle: normal - myDr.com.au

All you need to know about periods, including what's normal and what's not. Plus, see what happens inside your body during the different phases of a normal menstrual cycle.

Read more on myDoctor website

Menstruation & Period Health | 1800 My Options

Understand menstruation and period health. Get advice on managing symptoms, irregularities, and overall reproductive health.

Read more on 1800 My Options website

Periods | Jean Hailes

Understand what a period is, when it typically starts and ends, and the phases of the menstrual cycle. Learn what’s normal, what’s not, and when to speak to your doctor.

Read more on Jean Hailes website

Periods | Jean Hailes

Understand what a period is, when it typically starts and ends, and the phases of the menstrual cycle. Learn what’s normal, what’s not, and when to speak to your doctor.

Read more on Jean Hailes website

Periods Products | Jean Hailes

Learn about different types of period products, including pads, tampons, menstrual cups and discs. Discover how to choose, use and dispose of them safely and sustainably.

Read more on Jean Hailes website

Absent periods – amenorrhoea | Better Health Channel

Some women are more at risk of amenorrhoea (the absence of periods) because of emotional stress or changes in weight.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Periods while breastfeeding

Many factors determine when your period will return if you're breastfeeding. Learn more about how breastfeeding affects your menstrual cycle.

Read more on Pregnancy,Birth & Baby website

Period Problems | Family Planning NSW

Read more on Family Planning Australia website

Show more

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.

PRINT SHARE share via Facebook share via Email

There is a total of 5 errors on this form, details are below.

• Please enter your name
• Please enter your email
• Your email is invalid. Please check and try again
• Please enter recipient's email
• Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again
• Agree to Terms required

Thank you for sharing our content. A message has been sent to your recipient's email address with a link to the content webpage. Your name: is required

Error: This is required

Your email: is required

Error: This is required

Error: Not a valid value

Send to: is required

Error: This is required

Error: Not a valid value

Error: This is required

I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy is required.

Related pages

• Sex after having a baby
• Your first few days after giving birth
• Ovulation and fertility
• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Managing period pain

Search our site for

• Menstruation
• Pregnancy

Find local health services Check your symptoms Find a health service Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

1800 882 436

Video call

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2026 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.

Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site

• Internet Explorer 11 and lower

We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:

• Chrome by Google
• Firefox by Mozilla
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari by Apple

You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.