
Is it normal to have a menstrual period one month after childbirth?
I am a 28-year-old female, 32 days postpartum after a vaginal delivery. I am breastfeeding, but my milk supply is low. Recently, I experienced bright red vaginal bleeding with a volume close to my pre-pregnancy menstrual flow. There is no abdominal pain. Is it normal to have a menstrual period one month after childbirth?

It is possibly normal to have a menstrual period one month after childbirth. However, if it is accompanied by abnormal symptoms, it might not be normal and medical evaluation is needed. The time for menstrual resumption varies among women. Non-breastfeeding mothers usually resume menstruation around 6–10 weeks postpartum, although some women may resume as early as one month after childbirth, which does not necessarily indicate an abnormality. This may be related to an earlier recovery of ovarian function and indicates good postpartum recovery. You should observe whether the bleeding is accompanied by blood clots, foul odor, or lasts longer than 7 days. If the bleeding pattern is significantly different from previous menstrual cycles or is associated with symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue, it is advisable to seek medical attention to rule out conditions such as poor uterine involution or retained placental tissue.
If menstruation resumes one month after childbirth, it is recommended to record the duration, amount of bleeding, and any associated symptoms. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons to better monitor the bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention if the blood loss exceeds twice your pre-pregnancy menstrual flow or if you experience lower abdominal tenderness, fever, or other concerning symptoms. During the 42-day postpartum follow-up visit, provide your doctor with a detailed account of this bleeding episode. A pelvic ultrasound or other evaluations may be necessary to assess uterine recovery.