K.S. asks from Bismarck, ND on October 29, 2007
Am I Pregnant?? Please Help!
I know this sounds strange but I really need some advice. I was doing laundry yesterday and just lounging around in shorts and a T-shirt (no bra) and all of a sudden I felt a wetness in my shirt. I realized I was lactating. Not a lot...just a little bit. I have two kids and am familiar enough with pregnancy but is it possible to lactate if I'm not pregnant? If I am I would only be a few weeks along. I bought a home test and it was negative but I can't think of any other reason for what is happening. This is defintely not planned but I won't be devestated if I am. I just don't know what to think. If any one is a nurse or something or has experienced this I would love to hear from you. Thank you.
So What Happened?™
Well, I went to the clinic and did a urine test. It was negative and the nurse said it should be accurate. She said not to be too concerned with the discharge unless it's an unusual color or if it lasts more than a week or two. She said if I miss my period to have another test but she's pretty confident that I'm not pregnant.
Thanks to everybody for their advice.
More Answers
K.E. answers from Wausau on October 29, 2007
I wouldn't know if you're pregnant because I've never heard of such a thing, but I do know that any time you experience unusual discharge from your breasts, you need to consult your doctor on the very distant chance that it could be a cancerous condition. At the least its nothing, or you are pregnant, but if it is something more serious it's best to catch it early. Good luck.
1 mom found this helpful
J.H. answers from Appleton on October 30, 2007
I quit nursing my daughter over 6 months ago and I still leak at random times. I have a friend that did this for years. from what i understand it is completely natural. the worse times that i get it is durning menstration. and when i am not wearing a bra. good luck
L.C. answers from Des Moines on October 30, 2007
I have had this happen to me recently as well! My daughter is almost 2 and I quit breastfeeding about a year ago and had not had any problems, until a few months ago when milk started coming out. I thought I may be pregnant, but it has been going on for a couple months now and I am not pregnant. I contacted a nurse and they did advise that usually you cannot lactate if you are not pregnant, but that there may be another underlying problem, such as a tumor or something of the sort, which definitely worried me. The lactating, however, has stopped, but if I would happen to squeeze my breast, I can still get some milk to come out--it is the oddest thing. Maybe you should get checked out?
K.D. answers from Salt Lake City on October 29, 2007
According to WebMd it could be one of (but not limited to) these things: irritation, cancer, lactation or infection. You should make an appointment with your doctor. Better to be safe than sorry.
K.S. answers from Omaha on November 01, 2007
some medications can cause women to lactate. If you are taking any medication I suggest you check with your physician they may recommend that you change it.
G.G. answers from Provo on October 30, 2007
Even though you've seen your nurse...Please make sure that you document any time this happens again. Things like: when did it occur, what time of day, how long did it last, how much came out, what color, any odor, any pain associated with it, breast enlargement or warm to touch. I had a similar experience about a year ago and my OB said it could be signs of cancer or infection. He sent me in for a mammogram and they didn't find anything, but he said to be on the safe side document everything and call immediately if it turned bloody. Make sure that you are doing regular self breast exams and yearly ones with your OB/Gyn, so that if there is a problem it can be caught early. Good luck.
T. answers from Milwaukee on October 30, 2007
I have been lactating since the first month of my pregnancy. I would go see your Dr. but it is possible.
K.W. answers from Salt Lake City on October 29, 2007
I wouldn't think you are pregnant. I don't think your colostrum comes in until later in a pregnancy. I know of some people whose milk never dried up after having a baby. I would really call your MD in case of something more serious.
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