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Updated for 2019!
When we are trying to conceive many women I know like to obsess over possible early signs of pregnancy.
I recently wrote a post about getting pregnant while breastfeeding so I decided to compile a list of possible pregnancy signs while breastfeeding.
Another question I have received a lot lately is how did you know you were pregnant while breastfeeding. I have also heard from women who have not had their period return but still want to get pregnant, or maybe are wondering if they could be pregnant.
While it’s more tricky to know if you are pregnant if your period has not returned, it is not impossible for pregnancy to occur.
I have actually gotten pregnant while breastfeeding twice, so I have personally experienced some of these pregnancy symptoms while nursing.
For my fellow obsessives out there or anyone wondering about those early pregnancy symptoms, this is for you.
Pregnancy signs while breastfeeding are usually the same as typical early pregnancy symptoms
I know this is kind of boring to hear, but most of the usual symptoms we normally experience when pregnant occur when we are breastfeeding and pregnant too.
One notable difference is the absence or presence of a period as a pregnancy sign.
Since it is possible (but uncommon) to get pregnant before your period returns while breastfeeding; you cannot count on this as a sign. Our cycles can be off or much different than we are used to when nursing as well.
Common signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding
Fatigue:
For me personally, one of the very first signs I noticed the second time I was pregnant (and while still breastfeeding) was extreme fatigue when going about normal activities.
I remember going for a walk with my husband and daughter and I started to feel like I could barely make it home, I was very winded and out of breath.
I do not recall feeling that way at all the first time I was pregnant until a little later in the first trimester.
Extreme or just extra thirsty:
I am always more thirsty when breastfeeding and was especially so when pregnant. I have heard from other breastfeeding and pregnant friends that this is common.
Sore breasts or nipples:
While this can be a very early pregnancy symptom whether you are breastfeeding or not; it is definitely more noticeable to me when breastfeeding.
Cramping:
I have gotten some cramps both times I was pregnant. Maybe it is implantation, but it feels like your period could be coming and it is a very common early pregnancy symptom.
Nausea:
Nausea can be an early pregnancy sign although usually it comes a little bit later. I had it both times around but much worse when I was still breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding was probably not related to it, but I thought I would add it here since it’s a pregnancy symptom either way.
A drop in milk supply:
This usually will not occur till somewhat later -closer to the second trimester, but it can be an early pregnancy sign and it will usually occur at some point when pregnant and breastfeeding.
Since a drop in milk supply is specific to nursing mothers this is definitely a sign of pregnancy while breastfeeding. If your milk supply drops unexpectedly and you think there is a chance of pregnancy please take a test.
I have heard anecdotal stories of this being a first sign of pregnancy when a mother’s period has not returned, and there are no other pregnancy symptoms. The drop in milk supply is the first tip off of pregnancy for some breastfeeding women.
A change in milk taste:
This also is typically closer to the second trimester but the taste of your milk will probably change. My daughter let me know when this occurred because sadly she did not like it anymore and abruptly weaned herself.
Hunger:
Once you are pregnant your calorie needs will go up slightly and they should already be up a bit from breastfeeding.
So, what does this mean?
These signs and symptoms are fun to look for but any of them can occur even if you are not pregnant. When our period is getting ready to return for the first time postpartum there can be some strange related symptoms.
It took me a few months for my period to get regular after each of my babies as well. If you are hoping to get pregnant while breastfeeding I recommend using ovulation tests to try and nail down ovulation better.
And, as far as wondering if you are pregnant or what the signs may be, I know it’s hard when you are in that two week wait and can’t test yet.
It can be even more confusing if your period has not returned but you think there is a chance you could be pregnant while breastfeeding.
Even while breastfeeding and without the return of a period it is possible to get pregnant although not as common.
Some of these earliest symptoms can be noticeable even before it’s time to test so hopefully this list helps you.
Otherwise, if you think you may be pregnant and you are breastfeeding there is really only one way to tell for sure. Get out there and get yourself a test!
If you’ve been pregnant while breastfeeding please let me know, what were the earliest signs for you?
Thanks!
UPDATE!
This post was originally written when I had gotten pregnant while breastfeeding once.
I get a lot of questions and comments on this post from women wondering about possible early pregnancy signs while breastfeeding, so when I got pregnant while breastfeeding again I wrote another post with my experiences.
You can find more on this subject in this post so head on over and check it out if you are inclined!
my husband and I did ttc once, I’m pregnant! It’s so easy and I would highly recommend others try this. We are thrilled! on facebook: o d u d u w a a j a k a y e
Hi Jen, I had my baby mid December, I didn’t see my period until first week in March and again after 12days, my period has been so irregular sometimes it takes 35days through 26days again, I’m still breastfeeding, Its 39days now without any period and I had unprotected sex using withdrawal method, can I be pregnant ? No noticeable symptoms of pregnancy yet
Hi Sherry,
If you are having unprotected sex then it’s definitely possible to get pregnant once your period has returned, even if you are still breastfeeding. I did get pregnant twice while breastfeeding. But my period has also been really irregular too so that is also common. There’s really no way to know without testing for sure. Good luck!
Hi!
I’m EBF my 3 month old baby. My period came back at 8 weeks postpartum. It’s been a couple of weeks where I get bouts of nausea. Thought for sure I was pregnant, been pregnant 3 other times and all 3 times I knew I was pregnant before even testing.
My period is late. Wondering since I only got it once, if it can take a while to regulate? Took 3 tests and they all came back negative.
I’m also experiencing sore nipples and a decrease in appetite because of the nausea. So confusung!
So, I usually go by tests. If the tests are negative not pregnant but you can always get a blood test from a dr. It definitely can take while for postpartum periods to return to normal. Good luck!
Very well written post, thanks!
I have 1 year 2 months old baby girl and breastfeeding her still full time (she does not accept pacifier or any bottles, and does not sleep trough night), during daytime she eats 2-3 times a day something else as well, but milk is still important part of her diet (and well…life, sleep and everything else). Because of that I haven`t got my period back yet.
I would like to get pregnant again actually (but at the same time I don`t want to wean only because of that, I feel that my daughter also needs me and breastfeeding very much still) and last few days I have been feeling many of these things, light cramping, not terrible nausea, but not good appetite as usual and food tastes weird, tired, nipples a bit sore.. I don`t want to take test and be disappointed, because my brain is saying- come on girl, this is impossible, probably not even ovulating yet, but my heart is still hoping for a little miracle. Just funny how these early symptoms all might be sign of beeing pregnant, but all of these things can have other reasons like I could be tired because of interrupted night time sleep and cramping could be just body gearing up for getting periods back and sore nipples could be because of new baby`s teeth and usual acrobatic ways of toddler breastfeeding… Nature, you are very confusing at times like these!
Hi, the symptoms could be gearing up to get your period back. And while you are hoping pregnancy, getting your period back would be great too bc it means you can get pregnant again. Hang in there, you will probably get it back soon without having to wean. Even just cutting back a little naturally might bring the return. But do take a test if you want to be sure bc you can ovulate before you see your period. It’s pretty rare to get pregnant again before you get your period back though. Good luck!
Hey Jen
I’m a breastfeeding mom of a 7 month old baby boy and I recently had sex the day of my periods finished this was on the 13th of Feb and it’s the 24th feb and I’m feeling just weird on my right side of stomach , I can’t say it’s painful like crumps i did a PT on the 21st of Feb and it came out negative (I’m not having any other signs of pregnancy apart from the weird feeling) would I be pregnant?
Hi, sorry I am just now responding. I would say no it is unlikely you are pregnant! Good luck.
Hi! So I gave birth almost months ago. No period and I’m strictly breastfeeding. The last couple days I haven’t eaten a full meal because I feel sick shortly after. I snack a couple times a day. Like a bar here and there. Well I theee up when I ate a lot the first day. I thought I had a stomach virus and I still feel the same way going on day 3. I took two tests and they were negative . What do you think the issue is?
Looking forward to your reply!
Thanks for your help!
***I gave birth almost 3 months ago
Hi, if you gave birth three months ago and you are breastfeeding I doubt you could be pregnant. Especially with the negative tests. Your hormones may just be fluctuating and causing symptoms since you are still recovering from pregnancy and birth. Good luck!
Hi,
I have a 9 month old and have just done a positive at home test! Still breastfeeding and loving it. I did the test after a late period, which isn’t unusual for me, but mainly because I notice my milk supply drop a lot! I think bub is still getting enough from me, but I’m struggling to build up my freezer stock, and stressing I’ll dry up completely. Will my supply come back?
Hi, first congrats! My milk supply with both of my pregnancies while breastfeeding did not go down a lot until after 12 weeks pregnant or so. My first baby weaned when I was about 14 weeks pregnant but my second son breastfed the entire third pregnancy! I do think the milk was very low though. Since your baby is 9 months I would just keep feeding on demand as much as possible and work on building that stash as you can. You only have a couple of months till she is one plus she is most likely eating solids so you should be okay. Check with your pediatrician if you get worried and wonder if you need to supplement with formula but you probably will be okay. Good luck!
Hello,
I had my 2nd daughter 4 months ago and I am only breastfeeding. I got my period back 6 weeks postpartum and had it for the 3 months Scarlet was born… It’s now been 50 days since the beginning of my last period. I took two pregnancy tests last week and both negative. I’ve been having cramps as if my period is coming and also have clear sticky discharge nearly every day. What are your thoughts?
Hi, I would guess most likely you are not pregnant if you are getting a negative test. Usually if you are breastfeeding exclusively it would be unlikely to ovulate before six months or so. But you said your period has returned so I am not sure.. I think it is probably regulating and is not regular right now. Check with your OB for a blood test though if you think there is any chance of pregnancy!
Hi there! I have a 9 month old and we are still breastfeeding! I have also came back to work so I’m pumping as well. The last couple of days I’ve had some nausea until around lunchtime, I don’t feel like I want to eat anything but make myself and I’ve had light cramps. I’ve been on birth control pills for three months and my period hasn’t returned but I’ve just felt so strange and weird the last little bit that’s got me wondering if there’s a possibility that I could be pregnant or do you think I might be getting ready to get my periods back? Just curious to see what you think? Thanks! 🙂
Hi,
I think I already answered you via email, but I do not think pregnancy is likely if you are on the pill and your period has not returned. Anything is possible though! It’s not likely but possible so test to make sure. Good luck again!
I just had my 3rd baby boy this July. I don’t usually go on birth control, but this time I decided to after my 6-week visit and I still had a little bleeding at that time. Birth control really screwed me up (this is why I don’t go on it). I started bleeding heavily again until I finished my placebo week. We only had intercourse once and then a week after my second pack of birth control we opted to stop. My period never came back and lately, I’ve been exhausted and super bloated. I don’t know if I’m in my head or if there is an actual chance. Curious on what your thoughts are before I run and grab a test.