Menstruation after giving birth

For a period of time after giving birth, blood will come out of your vagina. This is not menstrual blood like when you have your period.

The amount of time it takes for your period to start again varies.

If you are not breastfeeding, it usually takes six to eight weeks before you start menstruating again. 

If you are breastfeeding, it usually takes longer. However, most people who breastfeed begin menstruating again within six months.

For some, it may take up to a year before their period starts again.

What your period may be like

It is common to have heavier or lighter periods than before you became pregnant. It is also common for the amount of pain during your period to increase or decrease.

It is possible to become pregnant again even if your period has not returned yet.

Before your first period, you will ovulate and can get pregnant at that time.

Contraception to prevent pregnancy

Use contraception if you do not want to get pregnant.

Everyone who has given birth is given an appointment for a postnatal visit to a midwife. At the visit, you can discuss contraception if you like.

Discharge is a slimy fluid from your vagina. It can be whitish or translucent.

Discharge is natural. It is common to have discharge every day.

Some people may have more discharge or discharge that is thicker than before pregnancy.

Seek care if your period has not returned one year after giving birth.

Contact a midwifery clinic or a gynaecologist.

Contact a midwifery clinic if your discharge smells very bad or if you have a lot of itching in your vaginal area. This could be a sign of infection.

Call 1177 for advice

You can call the 1177 helpline if you need advice on what to do. Your call will be answered by a nurse. If needed, they can tell you where to go for treatment.

The nurse can speak both Swedish and English. Help is sometimes available in other languages.

Call 0046 771 11 77 00 if you are calling from a phone with a foreign number.

If you do not speak Swedish, you can get help from an interpreter during your healthcare visits. Let the clinic know you need an interpreter when you book your appointment.