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, "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 they 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.
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy while breastfeeding:
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. When my first baby was about one years old I decided I wanted to try and get pregnant again. It wasn't as easy to predict ovulation as the first time around though.
My period had returned when she was around 9 months old but it had yet to regulate. One month my cycle would be really short and the next it would be long. I really thought I would not be able to get pregnant again until things normalized but I did.
Here are some of the most common signs of pregnancy which occur when we are breastfeeding too.
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. This is probably one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and a common one. While this symptom occurs even when not breastfeeding, I was much more aware of the pain since I was nursing.
Cramping and slight bleeding or spotting
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.
Implantation bleeding is another sign of pregnancy. It can be hard to know for sure though if that spotting is your period getting ready to come or implantation bleeding.
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.
The only sure way to know if you are pregnant while breastfeeding
The only way to know for sure is to take a urine or blood pregnancy test.
These tests check for the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and usually are the most accurate way to check for pregnancy.
Start with a home urine test and see your doctor for a blood test to confirm.
Another way to check for pregnancy is with an ultrasound, but this is usually done a little later after a blood test.
The ultrasound can be used to check for a fetal heartbeat.
What do these symptoms 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.
As far as wondering if you are pregnant, or what the signs may be, I know it's hard when you are in the 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?
Trying to get pregnant while breastfeeding?
I have now gotten pregnant twice while breastfeeding. These pregnancies resulted in my second and third baby. I decided to write more about trying to get pregnant while breastfeeding in this post so head on over and check it out if you are inclined!
Lorna
Hi,
So my periods came back 3 months after having my baby girl who is now 21 months old.
My periods have been all over the place due to being on the mini pill.
I last had a period about 2 weeks ago but it was very light. More like spotting.
My husband and I want to try for another baby in a few months but recently due to a change in routine and hectic life I was late taking a few of my pills and been quite erratic with them.
About 5 days ago it started to be really sore for me to feed my daughter. My nipples are so sensitive, my breasts have become larger and I’m getting cramping.
I did a test 3 days ago but was negative, did one the following day and was negative again.
I have no idea when to test again, no idea when my period would be due as they’re all over the place and don’t know what to do or if I’m pregnant.
I would like to know as I’m on medication that I would want to stop as soon as I knew but my GP will not give me a blood test without a positive home test.
Help I’m so frustrated.
Jen Brenan
Hi,
So since you have been erratic with the pills and period I would say there really is no way to know without a blood test, sorry. Keep taking the tests at home if you want for a week or so? But to be 100% need the blood test.
Alizee
Hi Jen!
This is a great article! Thank you for all this info.
I wanted to ask you if your cycles regulated before you got pregnant or did it just happen spontaneously.
I got my period when my son was 9 months old. My cycles Have been long and short for about a year now, and I’ve been thinking it must be impossible to get pregnant. I know I ovulated on day 13 of this cycle. I would love to know how it happened for you.
Jen Brenan
Hi, my cycles really were not regular before I got pregnant the second time. In fact I don't think they have been really regular since I started having babies at all! So no it was not, I had such short and then long cycles I did not think it was possible to get pregnant but I did. As long as you are ovulating it is possible! Good luck!
Alizee
Thank you! That gives me hope!
Karby
My daughter is 9 months and I have not had a period since, but my husband and I just decided to start trying for our 2nd.
I’ve been using ovulation tests strips since I haven’t had a period and We most recently had sex 6 and 12 days ago, but I think I was at peak ovulation 4 days ago.
I just started bleeding today for the first time since I had her, and I am curious if it may be implantation bleeding or if I am just getting my period back.
Jen Brenan
Hi, it really could be either but I think implantation bleeding is usually very little - like spotting. More likely you have gotten your period back. But if it is your period that should make getting pregnant again easier. Good luck!
Thomas Phoenix
Our family reaps great benefits from breastfeeding.
The better health of my wife
Save on family expenses
The benefit rests on our twin daughters.
Currently 4 years 8 months old.
Both of them are still breastfed at regular intervals every day.
Our family has one more benefit from breastfeeding.
Natural contraception
My wife was able to enjoy sex together without worrying about getting pregnant again while breastfeeding. It worked well and was wonderful for our family.
My wife
Returning to menstruation again after delivery
When both our daughters were 4 years old
Spaced Natural Childhood As Our Families Desire
Today I am returning to my wife.
I'm trying to get pregnant for the second time.
We both hope
Will have a chance
Have breastfeeding
With a child who will be reborn to us in the future
As well as her two sisters
And family, we hope
Will benefit from breastfeeding
Just like the past in the past and now.
Akpa Goodness
My son is 9 month now and I have not deen my period since I have him but for three days now I have been feeling this discomfort around my waist while walking or I drink cold water or I sit down. I have been
worried if is pregnancy or my period want to come back. Please somebody that know better should help me. Thanks.
Jen Brenan
I would guess it is your period getting ready to come back most likely.
Akpa Goodness
Wow I have really learn a lot here
Crystal Castillo
Hello so I’ve been sexually active and I notice a brown spotting when I wiped and cramps as if my period was already gonna come my lower back was hurting as well I was so sure I was gonna get it but up to this point still no auntie flow. I’m breastfeeding my two age 14 months and 2 year old kids I haven’t got my period like for 3 years. I still have cramps but no spotting anymore. Any suggestions would help xoxo
Eli
Hi
Im still breastfeeding my 15 month old baby and I had a regular period but since started to take mini pill last month, it stopped. lately my breast became sore but tolerable, I also notice Im becoming more bloated and constipated. I dont know if its because of the pill or Im pregnant. I only missed one pill last month.
Jen Brenan
If you are on the pill you are most likely not pregnant. Missing pills could cause it though. Probably the pill combined with period are leading to your symptoms. But if you have any doubts the only way to know for sure is to test! Good luck.
Betty
Hi, my baby is three months and I have nausea sometimes and I hurt some certain smells. Can It be pregnant? My period have not yet returned and Am on exclusive breastfeeding.