Being a new mom is quite a wonderful experience full of adventures and wholesome moments. Signs of ovulation after giving birth are something many people want to know about. Are you thinking of conceiving another baby and want to know about your ovulation period?
Do you know about pregnancy tests? There are even several homemade pregnancy tests. We have a detailed study on the top 13 homemade pregnancy tests that can help you confirm your pregnancy.
Ovulation is a casual ongoing process to produce an egg, whether for fertilization or menstruation. However, some mothers are unaware of the signs of ovulation after giving birth. Generally, ovulation is a natural physiological phenomenon process packed with a bundle of emotions and physical signs. However, signs of ovulation after giving birth might be different from the previously experienced ovulation phases.
A female body undergoes a variety of changes during the ovulation phase. A complex of physiological processes is working behind a simple ovulation phase. This article will cover the primary signs of ovulation after giving birth to know when exactly is your ovulation period. It will help to detect the exact time of your ovulation period
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What is the main process to re-initiate the ovulation period?
The first important thing we need to know is how the ovulation period starts again after giving birth. As we know, there is no more ovulation once you get pregnant till you deliver the baby.
Did you know that during ovulation, female muscles strengthen due to increased estrogen levels? This boost enhances performance and increases joint flexibility. Therefore, it’s important to understand basic information about female muscle anatomy.
During breastfeeding, our body secretes a hormone, prolactin, to accelerate milk production. Prolactin is a potent hormone to induce milk production, but it is a natural contraceptive to stop ovulation during breastfeeding. It is also referred to as lactational amenorrhea. So, in this way, prolactin serves as a temporary protection against pregnancy during breastfeeding. But, still, ovulation can occur during this period.
Once your level of prolactin declines, ovulation resumes on its own. This decrease in prolactin serves as a stimulus for the hormones necessary for ovulation, like luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, to increase. These hormones produce signals to ovaries to release mature eggs, indicating the start of ovulation.
How soon is it possible to ovulate after giving birth?
Ovulation after giving birth is not a time-specific process. It may vary from woman to woman. Every person’s body is unique on its own with specific ongoing processes at specific times. Don’t compare yourself with any other person. Ovulation starts just after the prolactin level declines. And, prolactin is produced during breastfeeding. So, it depends on the situation whether you are breastfeeding or not.
If you are not breastfeeding, ovulation may occur just after childbirth. But, it may take a period of four to six weeks. In case you are breastfeeding your baby, this time duration may increase from three to six months after giving birth.
You should also check out this informative article on 7 months old baby’s sleep schedule.
What are the signs of ovulation after giving birth?
Ovulation is a hidden process undergoing in our body to ensure fertility. The most possible and effective method to know about when you are ovulating is by measuring hormonal levels. Luteinizing hormone surge is visible during the ovulation period. You can go for hormone testing to track the ovulation period. Besides hormone tests, some physical signs can help you guide about signs of ovulation after giving birth. The most visible signs are as follows:
Variable changes in the cervical mucus
Cervical mucus has different types of consistency at different times of your menstrual cycle. Near the ovulation period, cervical mucus appears in an egg-white consistency. It may be of a slippery, stretchy, more abundant, and translucent nature. This typical change in cervical mucus is helpful for sperm movement to ensure smooth fertilization. This type of consistency indicates fertile cervical mucus, marking the start of ovulation.
Increase in basal body temperature
Your resting body temperature is the basal body temperature. Different studies show that during ovulation, there may be a slight increase in basal body temperature. It is not true in every case. But, it can be a good tracking sign for the ovulation period.
Ovulation pain or mittelschmerz
It is a specific type of mild pain or discomfort with a brief period on the side of your lower abdomen. Ovulating pain is a common finding among 40% of the women. It may last for a few hours to a few days. Ovulation pain is also associated with bloating or nausea. If this pain lasts longer, consult your doctor to rule out other possible problems.
Tender or painful breasts
Mastalgia is also a common finding during ovulation. Breasts are tender to touch due to hormonal changes occurring during the menstrual cycle. Breast pain is commonly encountered by almost 66% of the ladies.
High libido
High libido or sexual drive is mainly due to hormonal fluctuations during the ovulation phase. It is a potent sign to get to know about ovulation.
Change in cervical position
You can notice this change only by regularly checking the position of your cervix. In ovulation, the cervix changes to quite softer, a bit higher, and more open.
You may also like to read this article on Boil on the vagina.
Being energetic
Some women experience a feeling of activeness and energy during ovulation. All these changes are influenced by the change in hormonal levels.
There is a very little to minor difference in signs of ovulation after giving birth from the typical ovulation. After giving birth, the timing and intensity of ovulation may vary. But, these features are quite consistent with the typical ovulation.
First postpartum period
Your first postpartum period may be different from your regular menstruation. You may have abnormal menstrual cycles for a few months after giving birth. In addition, it is also common to experience severe cramping, heavy bleeding, and smaller blood clots in the very first period following birth.
Do women remain super fertile after giving birth?
It is a firm belief among the general public that women remain super fertile after giving birth. It may or may not be true depending on the various ongoing conditions. Fertility is a complex process and dependent on age, overall health, and hormonal balance. Hormonal changes may occur after giving birth and may take time to reach the optimum level. So, if you want to plan a child or have concerns about fertility, it is best suggested to consult your gynecologist to solve the ongoing puzzles in your mind.
Key points
Signs of ovulation after giving birth can be a bit different from the typical ovulation in intensity and variation in time. However, ovulation is a key process for ongoing fertility. It is important to track your ovulation whether you want to conceive or want to prevent an early pregnancy.
- Ovulation can be detected by key features of tender breasts, changes in cervical mucus, and hormonal tests. You just need to maintain a proper check on any uncommon signs to identify the ovulation phase.
- Ovulation after giving birth is not an immediate process. It may take almost four to six weeks for a non-breastfeeding mother. In contrast to this, mothers who breastfeed their babies may ovulate normally after a few months because of the prolactin hormone.
- You can also get pregnant after giving birth before the appearance of the first postpartum period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How soon can we ovulate after giving birth?
Most commonly, ovulation may take a minimum of six weeks after giving birth. Exceptions are everywhere. Some women may ovulate a bit earlier. Usually, women who don’t breastfeed can ovulate sooner.
Is breastfeeding related to late ovulation?
Yes, breastfeeding may cause late initiation of ovulation. During breastfeeding, prolactin hormone releases that act as a natural contraceptive to control ovulation. In addition, you may experience light or irregular periods. Moreover, it can also delay ovulation or prevent ovulation temporarily.
Can a breastfeeding mother get pregnant before having her first period?
Yes, it is possible for a breastfeeding mother to get pregnant without having her first period. Breastfeeding may provide protection but it is not a complete barrier to pregnancy. You can get pregnant just after you ovulate. Menstruation is usually followed by 13 to 14 days after ovulation. This is a peak time for pregnancy. So, track your ovulation period accordingly to avoid an early pregnancy.,
