Can I Be Pregnant?

I breastfeed and that exact thing happened to me. I (sort of) had my period 6 weeks after I had my son, then I didnt get it again until last month (My son is now a year old). So while you are still breastfeeding, expect to have a very irregular cycle...

It is normal for your cyles to be erratic when you start menstruating again after pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, your return to menstruation is delayed, and again, it can be erratic at first before your body settles into normal cycles. Having said that, it is very possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding before ever having a period. Having a period is the obvious sign that you have started cycling again, but it comes after you have already ovulated. Since you did already have a period, you know that your body is cycling again, so you are able to concieve now. I would take a test to make sure you aren't pregnant.

There is a wonderful book out there called "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. It explains things that I wish I would have been taught when I first started menstruating as a teenager. Anyway, it also presents the fertility awareness method of birth control, which is equivlanet to Natural Family Planning. So if you are against contraception, you should get this book. It will help you learn your cycle and to know when your are or are not fertile.

Anyway, I would take the test. Good luck.

Take the test, and call your OB/GYN. Even if you can only get through to speak with the nurse, get definite answers to your questions, and they may even have some suggestions for you. I had a friend that took the "mini-pill" while she was breastfeeding, mainly because she had endometriosis & she was trying to keep it from returning after her pregnancy at her doctor's suggestion. Talk to your doctor about it--there's also the Depo-Provera shot you get every 3 months.

you can be but it's more likely that your hormones are still out of wack. you might need some hormone therapy pills.its not uncommon. regardless of the situation you should see your doctor. you need to be healthy for your babies!

G.,
I had basically the same situation when I was breastfeeding my daughter. I didn't have a cycle until she was six months old, then it didn't come again until she was 8 months old. After that my cycle was irregular for a few more months. I went to my doctor and he told me it was completely normal while breastfeeding to not have a period, but not to believe the old wive's tale that you can't get pregnant while breastfeeding because you can. My sister has a beautiful boy that will prove that!!lol To ease your mind and take the stress off of you-get a test...you'll feel much better knowing the truth.God Bless.

I'm breastfeeding my 4 month old, and I haven't had a period yet, and there's NO WAY I can be pregnant.

I agree w/ the other poster - take the test & it might ease your mind.

You CAN get pregnant while breastfeeding, even if you haven't had your period yet. (Because you can get pregnant during your cycle at the point before the period happens).

It is less likely, but possible.

Also, if you are breastfeeding less often or starting to wean, it takes several months to get your period coming regularly again.

G.,

if you have sex it is possible to be pregnant no matter what your source of birthcontrol is. Breastfeeding exclusively is about as good as a condom at preventing pregnancy however you do still ovulate, you just don't always have a period to mark the cycle and that makes it difficult to know what is going on.
Having said all of that, it is very normal to have a short period and then skip again for several months. Not knowing is the scariest thing I can think of about anything. I would add my voice of reason to the group here and say, take the test and relax and breathe again.

K. @ The Nestingplace

Hi G.,
It's totally normal to have irregular periods while you breastfeed...and it's just as normal to get pregnant while breastfeeding, too! I got pregnant with my third daughter while 6 months postpartum and breastfeeding. Not to worry you, but you might want to get a test just to be sure... At least you'd know one way or another. If it is positive, then the bright side is you're little girl will have a sister or brother close in age to play with all the time... For us, it was a lot of work at first but now that they're toddlers, they're a real joy and they have a sweet relationship. I wish I had a sister so close in age to me! :)

God bless,
K.

G.,

I had this happen to me when my daughter was 3 months old. I was breastfeeding and had a period. Then, the next month, nothing. I was totally freaked. My ob said that can happen since the hormones are out of whack. The test came back negative.

Go ahead and take the test so you know. It is possible to become pregnant while breastfeeding.

I wish you the best!
C.

I nursed my little guy too. I remember having a period after 4 months... but it wasn't regular until 6 or 7 months. Could just be nothing, but do the test to ease your mind!

-A.

I am breastfeeding my daughter as well, and didn't get my period until she was about six months as well. Have you been breastfeeding more than usual, because if so your hormones might be the cause? After she starts solids, your period will be back to normal. You may be pregnant, but probably not because breastfeeding can also be used as a less effective birth control. Just take the test, everything will be okay. Getting pregnant is a fear of mine also, so don't feel guilty. Good Luck.