Signs of Pregnancy While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding alone cannot be considered as a safe method of contraception. Breastfeeding in a certain manner can only work as a method of family planning. Intensive breastfeeding (feeding the baby every three hours or so) shows a significant contraceptive effect. It is true that a woman who is feeding the baby with breast milk only, may not have periods; but getting pregnant is quite possible for a lactating woman. It is necessary for the nursing women to know the signs and symptoms of pregnancy while breastfeeding; because 'missed period' may not be the sign of pregnancy in this case.

Signs of Pregnancy while Nursing

According to the Lactational Amenorrhea Method or LAM, if a nursing woman breast-feeds fully (nine out of 10 feedings are breast feedings) and if she feeds the baby every three hours during the day and every six hours during the night, then breast feeding can be considered as an effective contraceptive method. The mother may feed the baby every 2 hours at first. Then she may increase the time gap to 3 hours. Four hours can be the maximum time between feeds during the day.

'Missed period' is one of the main pregnancy signs. But, recognizing early signs of pregnancy can be difficult for a breastfeeding woman, especially if she has not started menstruating after the childbirth. The first ovulation (release of an egg from the ovaries), as the body slowly returns to fertility after the childbirth, occurs before the first period. So it is possible that a nursing woman can become pregnant and may not notice 'lack of menstruation' as a pregnancy sign. But she might notice some other signs of pregnancy, like any other normal pregnant woman.

Pregnancy symptoms that can be noticed by a breastfeeding woman include implantation spotting as the fertilized egg gets implanted to the wall of uterus. Statistics show that about 33% pregnant women experience implantation bleeding. Frequent urination, increased fatigue are some other signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding. If nipples are more sore than normal or if breasts are more tender than normal (or swollen), then the reason can be pregnancy. Some nursing women may experience nausea, vomiting and food craving as signs of pregnancy after 1 week. Upset stomach, indigestion, constipation, headache, backache, dizziness, mood swings can also be experienced by pregnant nursing women. A rise in the basal body temperature for more than two weeks (after ovulation) indicates pregnancy. But if the woman has not kept the record of her basal body temperature before ovulation, then it is not possible for her to detect the rise in temperature. A pregnancy test can be performed to confirm pregnancy.

Reduced milk supply can be one of the important signs of pregnancy after 3 weeks. Morning sickness, strong sense of smell, stomach cramps, etc. can also be noticed. Baby's response to breastfeeding may change. This is one of the significant signs of pregnancy after 1 month. It is true that some babies may not exhibit any change in their habit but some do show dislike. As the consistency and the taste of the milk changes, (it becomes somewhat salty or sour), some babies may begin to dislike the milk. The breast milk may become less white and more watery. But this cannot be considered as a sure shot sign of pregnancy. The nutritional qualities of the milk are not affected. So the woman can continue breastfeeding if the baby is willingly accepting it.

Since breastfeeding can produce uterine contractions, women who are at high risk for miscarriage or preterm labor are asked to stop breastfeeding. Pregnant women should consult their doctor about whether to continue breastfeeding or not. A nursing pregnant woman will have to feed the baby and the fetus. So she should consult the doctor for healthy breastfeeding diet. The signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding may vary from woman to woman. Some women may not experience breast tenderness, soreness of nipples or morning sickness. Those women whose bodies exhibit the signs, may come to know about the pregnancy quickly. But it is always better to perform the pregnancy test when in doubt.