These Signs Show That A Breastfeeding Mother Is Pregnant

Do you know if a woman conceives again within the first year after delivery, the signs of pregnancy may go unnoticed? Here’s more on it. Lactating mothers often undergo several changes in the body, leading to discomfort and irritation. Women, who have recently had childbirth, will not experience regular menstrual cycles. At times, it is difficult to understand the signs of pregnancy in them. Therefore, new mothers must be aware of the signs of pregnancy in breastfeeding moms to know if they are pregnant. Here is a list of symptoms of pregnancy in new mothers.

Decreased Milk Production

If you conceive while you still breastfeeding your baby, you will notice a decrease in the amount of breast milk. This happens due to the collision between lactation related hormones and hormones produced during pregnancy. During the first trimester of your second pregnancy, the amount of milk produced will gradually decrease. Your baby’s frequent hunger pangs or sudden weaning may be indicative of reduced milk production. 

Also Read: 5 Breastfeeding Positions That Every New Mother Must Know

Breast Pain and Tenderness

Similar to how your first pregnancy was, this time also you’ll experience breast changes and tenderness. Nipple sensitivity will be severe than the previous time. The onset of the second pregnancy may irritate when your baby sucks your nipple. The nipple may be painful to touch and extra sore, causing a lot of discomfort while nursing. If you witness changes in the breast or nipple, it is perhaps time to suspect another pregnancy.

To reduce the nipple sensitivity or relieve pain, you may use a nipple shield. Alternatively, you may apply Lansinoh cream on the breasts after every feeding session or let your nipple air dry after breastfeeding your baby. Women, who keep breastfeeding their baby despite the pain, may experience a decrease in pain in the nipple and discomfort as the pregnancy progresses.

Uterine Contractions

It is believed that the uterine quickly returns to its normal state when the mother breastfeeds her offspring. Uterine contractions are commonly experienced during breastfeeding. If you notice any changes in the pattern of your uterine contraction, it may signify another pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body produces oxytocin, a hormone that plays a vital role after childbirth, in excess amounts. This changes the uterine contractions. You may continue breastfeeding even in the second and third trimester of your second pregnancy if you do not have the risk of developing a miscarriage or preterm labour.

Fatigue

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Fatigue and morning nausea is among the most common symptoms of pregnancy. Breastfeeding leads to additional pressure on a woman’s body and makes her feel more tired and sleepy than usual. The tumultuous hormonal changes during pregnancy cause a pregnant woman to experience nausea and tiredness. A breastfeeding mother will find it hard to do household chores and will frequently require naps during the day.

If you are experiencing the signs mentioned above of pregnancy while you are breastfeeding, take a home pregnancy test. It would be better to consult a doctor and have a blood test to confirm pregnancy. A doctor’s advice will help you to look after yourself during pregnancy and take care of your nursing toddler.

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