So I know that I am probably just stressing out for no reason, but I'm worried that I may be pregnant again and would like some advice or input from someone who's gotten pregnant very soon after a previous birth. I had my first baby at the end of November last year and have been exclusively breast feeding, and since starting to have regular intercourse again I have not even let my husband look at me without a condom. I can't take the pill because I forget and the hormones in it make me crazy. Anyway, the last few days I have felt very nauseas all day as well as completely drained of energy and dehydrated. At first I thought I was just tired from exercising, so I took a couple days off from my treadmill, and it's only gotten worse. Then I thought that I was starting my period last night as I started to bleed just a little and started cramping. The thing is I've heard that your first period after having a baby is usually really heavy and can last a long time, however I've only been spotting a tiny bit - i don't really even need anything more than a panty liner right now. Also, the blood last night was a brighter red - like a normal period color - and this morning it was dark brownish.
I've never been nauseas with my menstrual cycles before, and right now it’s my only symptom, so I don’t think it’s a flu bug. My symptoms are simply light spotting, cramping, nausea and weakness. If I’m not feeling better by early next week I’m going to call and ask my doctor, but I don’t want to get a pregnancy test right now just in case I’m nervous for no reason, mostly I just want to get some input to see if this is normal to have a light, spotty period for your first one after having kids and if it’s normal to feel nauseas, or if I should start to worry. Anyone who’s been in this situation, please let me know what your symptoms were. Thanks!
Ever since I had my second child I get nausea when I get my period. All of my periods after babies came back weird, one was heavy the other was light the other didn't come for months. It is rough to say the least. If I were you, I would run to the store and get a home pregnancy test. It is quick, easy and cheap and you can either deal with being pregnant or stop stressin'.
Good luck!
I became pregnant 6 weeks after the birth of my son. I was exclusively breastfeeding, and had not had a period. My husband and I had had intercourse ONE time... So, however unlikely it is, it is very much possible. I had the normal pregnancy symptoms, and just like my first had the feeling that I was pregnant. Hang in there, and if you need to, take a test or go to the doc. Good luck with whatever outcome you are hoping for!
First off since you've been breast feeding you haven't had a period since childbirth. Now that you are still breastfeeding and your husband is using a condom I think whats happening to you is: First you get the reddish light bleeding, then it darkens as you are getting I don't want to call it waste (but darker because of no previous bleeding) then after this you should get a normal period. Since you have had none cramping is definetly going to come, and your body is going through so much your feeling naseaus, then it will kind of end due to the fact that you are nursing. I don't really think that you have anything to worry about. This getting naseaus now is probably caused more from stress. Your worried about another pregnancy. You have to remember that now, its been close to 6mos. your hormones are changing again. I doubt very much that you are pregnant, so relieve yourself of the stress. You mentioned working out, are you getting into more heavier now that the little one is older? This can also cause cramping and bleeding. If in another month you feel the same then get checked but chances are it will be negative. Good luck!! P.S. Your periods are not going to be normal for a little while and if your B/P is down some you will feel naseaus. Take care and don't over do it.
Girl, take a test.....do not stress about it. I know couple women who's kids are under 12 months apart. It was hard in the begining but worked out great in the long run.
First periods after pregnancy can be heavy, light, normal - pretty much anything, as every person is different and what happens to one won't necessarily happen to everyone. Also, your body goes through a lot of changes during and after pregnancy, so it's common to have a different type of period than you used to have.
If your symptoms don't subside, you should definitely take a pregnancy test and/or talk to your doc. If you are pregnant, you need to make sure you're taking care of yourself.
My friend had a baby and, 6 weeks later, got pregnant again. Had that baby and, 10 weeks later, got pregnant with # 3. She did not breastfeed, so she didn't have that as natural protection.
Good luck!
K.
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/karenchao
With BOTH of my girls I got what could be called morning sickness AFTER the birth.... I also had some cramping and what seemed like period sympotms. My doctor said it can happen as a result of hormone shifts. While in most gals it happens soon after birth, both of my episodes were about 3-4 months after.
With my last daughter who is now 5 months old, the 3 month mark was horrid. I was pretty sick feeling and just not myself at all.
BUT I will say this, my girls are 15 months apart, SO it is possible to get prego soon after birth. I got prego while my first was around 6 months old, but I have a friend that got prego 3 months after! We thought we were being cautious as well, but the 2 times we weren't did the trick. I never even got a period at all....
My biggest clue I was prego, was actually my breasts! Breastfeeding became VERY painful! The docs thought I had a breast infection and even put me on meds, but something just didn't feel right. I ended up taking a test and was prego! I cried for 2 weeks :) But all is well now!
SO I guess my point is that yes you could be prego, but you could also be going through with what I do after birth and get pretty darn sick 3+ months in. I had to deal with them both.....
Good luck!
Breastfeeding alone doesn't work as birth control. It inhibits fertility but doesn't stop it in its tracks. However, if you are religious about condom use and that includes wearing it...well, let's not get graphic. Anyway, your chances of getting pregnant are pretty slim. Remember, as a new mom, your hormones and menstrual cycle are still really wacky. It takes 9 months to give birth and 9 months to get (more or less) back to normal. So your strange symptoms are probably post-partum...Not pre-partum.
I agree with another post below that it is probably just your hormones trying to even back out, but I will tell you it is not uncomon to get pregnant again right after having a baby. I know this from experience as my children are 11 months apart and my second child was concieved while I was still bf my son I was on the mini pill and with condoms
I had a light spotty period like you at 8 months after my pregnancy then had a normal one two months later. I don't think I felt sick though. Best wishes to you.
One of my good friends is only 7 1/2 month YOUNGER than her sister. Her mom got pregnant literally within a few weeks of her sister's birth and she was born prematurely. Scary, huh?
If you are exclusively breastfeeding (at least every 3 hours) and do not have your period yet, it is HIGHLY unlikely that you are PG. Exclusive breastfeeding (no supplementation - just the boob) at LEAST every 3 hours has a 95% rate of preventing pregnancy.
Hope that helps.
My periods totally switched gears after my daughter. I never used to cramp and one day, I thought I tore stitches from my c-section and went to the ER. Turns out I was cramping and have had to deal with it every months since. My length has changed as well. Such is nature. I couldn't tell you whether or not you are preggers but thought maybe it could just be a natural shift.
I got pregnant four months after giving birth to my first. I was breastfeeding exclusively. The first thing I noticed was that I got really really really tired. Also I had some light spotting for one day when I thought I was supposed to start my period.
The other thing that was really noticeable was that my daughter started to resist nursing. The taste changed and she did not like it. Of course we kept breastfeeding as long as possible and she somewhat adjusted but that was really noticeable, and for those first few weeks my milk supply was struggling.
Also I got a negative pregnancy test the first time but I just knew I was and ten days later I got the positive result. i would just suggest that if you even think you might be make sure you are taking your pre-natals and getting enough folic acid. It won't hurt you if you end up not being pregnant but it will sure help the baby if you are. good luck. I know that it can be emotionally stressful. I did not feel ready at all, but I am glad they will be close together. Also it could just be your hormones. Your body can do all kinds of crazy things while it is readjusting.
Good luck with whatever it turns out to be:)
I got pregant 2 months after my first child. I am not sure if your symptoms could be due to pregnancy, I never had a period or spotting in between. But, it you are, I will just tell you that it is the best thing that could have ever happened. It was tough for the first year but they are 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 now and it is wonderful. I never had to deal with any jealousy or anything like that. They are so close and keep each other entertained most of the time. It is non-stop activity around here, but it is tons of fun!
I have been pegnant 9 times and have 6 children. 3 of my pregnancies happened less than 3 months after giving birth and one was 3 weeks after baby was born.(Nurse gave husband bad advise. lol). Each time I used a different type of birth control and each time I was nursing my baby 100% of the time and every 3 hours.
I found my periods were different with each child. Some came right away, some waited until after I was finished nursing. Some the first period was - heavy, others were light and one I only spotted.
My suggestion to you is don't worry.... if you are pregnant, you will find out in a few weeks (home preg tests may or may not work) - there isn't much you can do to change the fact right now and your family doesn't need you to worry. Enjoy being a mom and wife, having fun and as for the nausia - take it one day at a time. Let you husband help out more until you feel better and treat it as the flu. You might even get more sympathy that way. lol.
If you are pregnany, it will be hard at first but the kids will be closer in age and hopefully best friends. Just think, they will grow up and be out of the house sooner. :) Believe me... it happens all to soon so enjoy every minute.
Good luck in what ever the future brings.
Chances are, this is a hormonal shift as your body re-adjusted to postpartum and lactating hormones. A light period is normal and common for your first true postpartum period--all three of mine have been kind of "fake-out" spotting kinds of periods, but not until Baby was much older.
Breastfeeding does indeed delay the onset of ovulation, but you must follow a few "rules" to appreciate the full, period-delaying benefits. Consider Googling "The Seven Laws of Ecological Breastfeeding" or just "ecological breastfeeding" if you want to see how many you are intuitively following.
Best wishes!
