How Can I Tell if I am Pregnant, While Breastfeeding
Question
I have been breastfeeding and though my menstrual cycles have not returned, I have noticed some spotting with mild cramps for the last three months usually at the same time of the month. I always think it’s implantation spotting but pregnancy tests show negative. I am currently not charting or observing.
Is this a normal pattern of returning to menstrual cycles? I have had previous pregnancies before return of cycles. Totally open to more children just tired of the wondering as the most common sign of pregnancy is late period. Are there other ways to know like increase in milk supply etc. I mean before the obvious symptoms?
Elena
Answer
Last Updated: November 18, 2021
Dear Elena,
Observing your signs of fertility, or more accurately your infertility, would be very helpful during breastfeeding. This could reduce the guess work on your part and save you the cost of pregnancy tests. Your signs would indicate the return of fertility and if you should decide to achieve another pregnancy you could determine the due date accurately.
The spotting could be due to ovulation or your body returning to cycles. Again observing and charting could give you so much needed information. Pregnancy symptoms are breast tenderness, nausea and fatigue; however, all of those can be observed because you have a new baby!
I hope this was helpful.
Winnie Neill
Observing your signs of fertility, or more accurately your infertility, would be very helpful during breastfeeding. This could reduce the guess work on your part and save you the cost of pregnancy tests. Your signs would indicate the return of fertility and if you should decide to achieve another pregnancy you could determine the due date accurately.
The spotting could be due to ovulation or your body returning to cycles. Again observing and charting could give you so much needed information. Pregnancy symptoms are breast tenderness, nausea and fatigue; however, all of those can be observed because you have a new baby!
I hope this was helpful.
Winnie Neill
Answered By:
Winnie Neill, CFCP
Winnie Neill, a Professional Member of CANFP, is a certified FertilityCare Practitioner, and taught NFP 23 years in the Sacramento region. She served on the Sacramento Diocese NFP Advisory Board, the American Academy of NFP Board and the CANFP Executive Board. She and her husband Bob have been married 63 years
