Signs of Pregnancy While Breastfeeding – When we are breastfeeding, we think that there is no way of getting pregnant. However, pregnancy while you are breastfeeding can happen. It surprises many families but you can be breastfeeding and find yourself pregnant. We always recommend talking to your doctor if you think you are pregnant and taking a pregnancy test. However, these are some common signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding.
Table of Contents
What are signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding and why
Pregnancy while breastfeeding, often referred to as tandem nursing, can occur, but it’s essential to recognize the signs since you can get pregnant even if you’re breastfeeding. Here are 15 signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding:
- Missed Period: One of the most common signs, just like in non-breastfeeding pregnancies.
- Breast Changes: Your breasts may become tender, fuller, or more sensitive.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Morning sickness might return or occur for the first time.
- Frequent Urination: An increase in trips to the bathroom is a typical early pregnancy sign.
- Fatigue: You might feel unusually tired, similar to the early days of your first pregnancy.
- Mood Swings: Hormonal changes can lead to emotional fluctuations.
- Food Aversions or Cravings: Strong dislikes or sudden cravings can be a sign of pregnancy.
- Heightened Sense of Smell: You may become more sensitive to certain odors.
- Increased Vaginal Discharge: A thicker, white discharge can occur.
- Bloating: You might feel bloated or experience abdominal discomfort.
- Changes in Areola: Darkening or enlargement of the areola can happen.
- Spotting: Some women experience light spotting in early pregnancy.
- Headaches: Hormonal changes can trigger headaches.
- Weight Gain: You may gain some weight as your body prepares for pregnancy.
- Change in Milk Supply: Some women notice a decrease in milk supply or taste changes in their breast milk.
It’s important to note that not all breastfeeding women experience these signs, and they can be easily confused with the postpartum changes and challenges that often accompany breastfeeding. If you suspect you might be pregnant while breastfeeding, taking a pregnancy test and consulting a healthcare professional is the best way to confirm and address your situation. Additionally, it’s advisable to discuss contraception options with your healthcare provider if you wish to prevent another pregnancy while breastfeeding.
READ: Pre-Workout During Breastfeeding
Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, even if you haven’t had a period yet or are not having regular menstrual cycles. While breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and reduce the chances of becoming pregnant, it is not a foolproof method of contraception. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM): In the early postpartum period, breastfeeding can suppress ovulation, which is known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). However, it is only effective when specific criteria are met, such as exclusive breastfeeding on demand, day and night, with no more than a few hours between feedings, and no supplemental formula or solid foods.
- Return of Fertility: As your baby grows and starts eating solid foods or nursing less frequently, your fertility may return, and you could ovulate without having a regular menstrual cycle. This can make it possible to conceive without experiencing a period.
- Irregular Cycles: Some women may experience irregular periods while breastfeeding, making it challenging to predict when ovulation might occur.
- Sperm Survival: Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days. So, if you have unprotected intercourse during this time, there is a risk of pregnancy, even if you haven’t had a period.
- Varying Hormonal Responses: Every woman’s hormonal response to breastfeeding is different, and what worked as effective contraception for one person may not work for another.
To prevent an unintended pregnancy while breastfeeding, it’s important to use a reliable form of contraception. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your options and choose a method that is suitable for your specific circumstances. Common options include barrier methods, hormonal contraception, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and fertility awareness methods. It’s crucial to have a plan in place if you wish to avoid pregnancy while breastfeeding.
Can you start fertility treatments while you are breastfeeding
Starting fertility treatments while breastfeeding is a decision that should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, typically a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist. Whether or not you can begin fertility treatments while breastfeeding depends on several factors, including your individual circumstances and medical history. Here are some considerations:
- Health and Hormonal Balance: Fertility treatments often involve medications and procedures that can affect your hormonal balance. Breastfeeding itself can impact hormonal levels. Your healthcare provider will need to assess whether your body is ready for fertility treatments and if they can be safely integrated with breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding Frequency: If you are exclusively breastfeeding and nursing very frequently, it can suppress ovulation and make it challenging to predict the timing of fertility treatments. In such cases, your healthcare provider may recommend weaning or reducing breastfeeding sessions.
- Medication Compatibility: Some fertility medications may not be compatible with breastfeeding, while others are considered safe. Your healthcare provider can help you choose medications that are appropriate if you wish to continue breastfeeding.
- Fertility Treatment Plan: The specific type of fertility treatment you are considering (e.g., in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, ovulation induction) will impact the compatibility with breastfeeding.
- Emotional and Physical Readiness: Fertility treatments can be physically and emotionally demanding. You should consider whether you are emotionally ready to embark on fertility treatments while caring for a breastfeeding baby.
It’s essential to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider to weigh the pros and cons, consider your individual health and fertility goals, and make an informed decision. Additionally, they can provide guidance on how to optimize your chances of conception while balancing your desire to continue breastfeeding if possible.
If You Are Pregnant While Breastfeeding This is What Will Be Different
If you become pregnant while breastfeeding, several things may be different in your experience compared to a non-pregnant breastfeeding period.
Here are some changes and considerations:
- Milk Supply: Some women notice a decrease in milk supply during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes, particularly the increase in progesterone. Your milk may become less abundant, and the taste may change, which can affect your baby’s interest in breastfeeding.
- Breast Sensitivity: Your breasts may become more tender and sensitive during pregnancy, which can make breastfeeding uncomfortable or painful for some women.
- Nipple Changes: Nipples may darken and become more sensitive due to hormonal changes, which can impact breastfeeding comfort.
- Breastfeeding Aversion: Some women experience breastfeeding aversion during pregnancy, which can lead to strong feelings of discomfort, agitation, or irritability while nursing. This is not uncommon and can be challenging for both the mother and the nursing child.
- Milk Composition: The composition of your breast milk can change during pregnancy. Colostrum, the early milk produced in the first days after birth, may start to be produced again in preparation for the upcoming birth.
- Child’s Reactions: Some babies may notice the changes in milk supply and taste, and their breastfeeding patterns may change. They may nurse more frequently due to the decreased milk supply or exhibit fussiness or distraction during feeds.
- Weaning: Some women decide to wean their older child during pregnancy due to discomfort, decreased milk supply, or other personal reasons. This is a choice that can vary from person to person.
- Breast Size and Changes: Your breasts may grow larger during pregnancy, which can affect breastfeeding positions and comfort.
- Tandem Nursing: If you decide to continue breastfeeding during pregnancy, you may be tandem nursing, which is nursing both your older child and your new baby once they are born. This can be a unique and rewarding experience for some families.
Remember…
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider and a lactation consultant if you become pregnant while breastfeeding. They can offer guidance on how to manage any challenges you may encounter and provide support in making decisions regarding breastfeeding and weaning. Your specific experience may vary, as each woman’s body and each baby’s needs are unique.
