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Quick answer
- Periods can return from about 5 to 6 weeks if you are not fully breastfeeding.
- You ovulate before your first period, so pregnancy is possible from 3 weeks.
- Breastfeeding works as contraception only under strict conditions.
- Use contraception if you want to avoid pregnancy; the app is not contraception.
One of the most common questions after birth: when will my period come back? It depends a lot on how you feed your baby, and everyone is different.
- Bottle feeding, or a mix of bottle and breast: the NHS says your first period could start as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after birth.
- Fully breastfeeding, including at night: your periods may not return until you cut down feeds, wean, or start formula or solids.
Here is the big one: you ovulate before your first period. So you can get pregnant before you have had a period at all.
MythYou cannot get pregnant while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding can delay ovulation, but it only works as contraception (LAM) if your baby is under 6 months, you are feeding only breast milk day and night, and your periods have not returned (even spotting counts). If any of those stop being true, use another method.
Your first few cycles may be irregular, heavier or lighter than before, and the first period is often heavier. Tracking them helps you see your new normal. If you are not sure whether something is a period or lochia, the first 6 to 8 weeks of bleeding is most likely lochia.
- Only after your first period
- From about 3 weeks
- Not until the 6-week check
Show the answer
B. From about 3 weeks
The NHS says ovulation can happen before your first period, so you can get pregnant from 3 weeks after birth.
Sources
Written by the Splash teamSources checked
This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.