Although the chance of becoming pregnant while breastfeeding is low, it can happen. In fact, you can become pregnant within days of giving birth if you have unprotected sexual intercourse. There are women who have even found out they are expecting another bundle of joy at their six-week postpartum checkup. Recognizing the symptoms of pregnancy while you are breastfeeding your child could pose a problem, since breastfeeding affects menstruation and can leave your breasts tender and swollen -- just like the signs of pregnancy in a non-breastfeeding woman.
Sore Nipples and Breasts
When you are breastfeeding, your nipples become soft and are sensitive. Now add pregnancy to the mix, which will increase the sensitivity due to pregnancy hormones that are multiplying daily. Pregnancy while breastfeeding can cause you to have pain and soreness both while nursing and when you're not. If you find that your nipples and breasts are more sore than they were before, you could be pregnant. Be sure to rule out an infection such as thrush or mastitis, as those conditions can also cause your nipples to be sore.
Decrease in Milk Production
Changes in the amount of breast milk you produce is another indication that you could be pregnant. When the hormones associated with lactation are mixed with the hormones associated with pregnancy, the breasts slowly begin to decrease the amount of milk produced. This decrease occurs gradually over the first three months of pregnancy.
Changes in Milk Texture
Pregnancy while breastfeeding also will cause a change in your milk's texture and appearance. While normal breast milk is the same consistency of regular cow's milk, breast milk from a pregnant mother will begin to lose the white color and will become watery. This is similar to colostrum, which is produced first before your breast milk comes in. Although your breast milk changes in texture and appearance, it is still full of nutritional benefits. However, your baby may not nurse due to the changes.
Other Pregnancy Symptoms
Even though you are breastfeeding, you can still experience the normal pregnancy symptoms. The absence of your menstrual period, weight gain, gas, nausea and fatigue can all be present while breastfeeding. If you believe that you are pregnant, consult your physician. Since nipple stimulation causes uterine contractions, you may be asked to begin weaning your child from the breast.
References
- "What to Expect When You're Expecting: Fourth Edition"; Heidi Murkoff, et al.; 2008
- "The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth"; Sheila Kitzinger; 2003
- MayoClinic.com; Breastfeeding While Pregnant; Roger Harris; October 2010
