Can I be Fertile While Breastfeeding?
Question
My baby is 3 1/2 months. I haven’t restarted my periods yet but have had some light pink spotting. In the last week I’ve been getting stomach cramps in my lower stomach pelvic region and feeling sick and tired. Is there any chance that I could be pregnant again? If so, how do I know when to take a pregnancy test since I have not had any periods. Thanks, Natalie
Answer
Last Updated: October 21, 2013
Dear Natalie,
Yes, it is possible to conceive while breastfeeding a baby that is almost four months old. The likelihood depends on the frequency of the nursing, but in any case would still be possible to conceive as ovulation can return prior to the first period. If your symptoms are due to pregnancy, you would probably be far enough along for it to show up on a pregnancy test. You can learn to chart the return of fertility during breastfeeding, so that you can know on any given day if you are fertile or not, for family planning purposes, and to date the beginning of a pregnancy. A directory of resources in California can be found on this site. Good luck!
Sheila St. John
Yes, it is possible to conceive while breastfeeding a baby that is almost four months old. The likelihood depends on the frequency of the nursing, but in any case would still be possible to conceive as ovulation can return prior to the first period. If your symptoms are due to pregnancy, you would probably be far enough along for it to show up on a pregnancy test. You can learn to chart the return of fertility during breastfeeding, so that you can know on any given day if you are fertile or not, for family planning purposes, and to date the beginning of a pregnancy. A directory of resources in California can be found on this site. Good luck!
Sheila St. John
Answered By:
Sheila St. John
Sheila St. John is the Executive Director of the California Association of Natural Family Planning, coordinating the non-profit’s education and advocacy efforts throughout the state. Initially attracted to NFP as a healthy, effective method for planning families, drug, device and surgery free, her passion for NFP has grown over the last 42 years as she has journeyed with the over 900 couples she has personally instructed in its use, and been privileged to witness its role in overcoming infertility, women’s health, and the transformation that occurs in lives of men, women, and families, when we embrace God’s design for love and life.
