Yes, it's possible to get pregnant any time from about three weeks after giving birth. This is true even if you're breastfeeding and haven't had a period yet. Show Many women are less fertile while they're breastfeeding, especially in the early weeks and months. This is because breastfeeding reduces your levels of certain hormones (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and luteinising hormone), which are needed for ovulation and pregnancy. The more your baby breastfeeds, the lower your hormone levels will be, and the less likely you are to become pregnant. If your baby is under six months and exclusively breastfeeding day and night, your chances of conception are low. Some women actually use breastfeeding as a form of birth control. This is called the lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM). LAM is most likely to help you avoid pregnancy if:
However, there are no guarantees with LAM. The longer your baby goes between feeds, the more likely it is that you could become pregnant again. Many women think that they won't get pregnant until they've had at least one period. However, your ovaries will release an egg before your period arrives. So you'll probably be fertile for at least a few weeks before you notice any signs. If you know you don't want to get pregnant while breastfeeding, it's best to start using contraception as soon as you start having sex again. Find out which types of contraception are safe to use while you're breastfeeding. If you are keen to get pregnant again as soon as possible, read what our expert has to say about the best age gap between babies. More information:
 Polly Logan-Banks is an experienced editor with a keen interest in producing evidence-based content. Polly is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.
Review The effect of lactation on ovulation and fertilityS Chao. Clin Perinatol. 1987 Mar. AbstractIt has long been recognized that women who breastfeed their children have a longer period of amenorrhea and infertility following delivery than do those women who do not breastfeed. The length of postpartum amenorrhea is quite variable, and depends on several factors, including maternal age and parity, and the duration and frequency of breastfeeding. In general, it would appear that the more frequent and the longer the episodes of breastfeeding, the longer will be the period of anovulation, and the longer the period of infertility. PIP: The effect of lactation on ovulation and fertility is discussed in relation to 7 factors: the duration of postpartum amenorrhea, the return of ovulation in the postpartum woman, the effect of breastfeeding on fertility, the physiologic basis for infecunity during lactation, contraceptive use during lactation (barrier methods, IUDs, and steroidal contraceptives), breastfeeding while pregnant, and tandem nursing. Women who breastfeed their children have a longer period of amenorrea and infertility following delivery than women who do not breastfeed. The length of postpartum amenorrhea varies greatly and depends on several factors, including maternal age and parity and the duration and frequency of breastfeeding. Due to the fact that there exists such individual variability in the duration of daily suckling, as well as the duration of the breastfeeding period, it is not possible to define within narrow limits the expected period of postpartum amenorrhea in lactating women. The return of menstruation is not necessarily the result of preceding ovulation in the postpartum woman. There is a wide range in the reports as to the occurrence of ovulation before 1st menstruation, ranging from 12-78%. In general, ovulation precedes 1st menstruation more frequently in those who do not nurse when compared to those who nurse. Breastfeeding has a demonstrable influence in inhibiting ovulation; it is not surprising that it has an inhibiting effect on fertility. According to Perez, during the first 3 months when a woman is nursing, there is higher security provided agaist conception than most contraceptives. After that time, the effect on fertility becomes uncertain and is determined by the frequency and duration of suckling and the time interval from delivery, and possibly maternal age, parity, nutrition. The physiologic basis for lactation infertility is not completely understood. During pregnancy, the level of circulating prolactin is greatly elevated. The elevated blood levels of prolactin begin at 8 weeks and rise to levels of 200 ng per ml at term. In lactating women, prolactin levels stay elevated, with spikes of increased secretion during and following suckling. The evideence points strongly to the fact that persistent hyperprolactinemia caused by breastfeeding postpartum results in an anovulatory or oligo-ovulatory state, and this results in relative infertility. It is appropriate to suggest other contraceptive methods to women who want to delay subsequent pregnancy because lactation alone is unreliable in preventing conception after the 9th week postpartum. There appears to be no contradindications to the use of the vaginal diaphragm or condom while breastfeeding. A report of added risk of uterine perforation in lactating women requires confirmation. The use of steroidal contraceptives while breastfeeding remains controversial. Similar articles
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Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding if I have my period?Breastfeeding and Fertility
Once you start menstruating, it is usually a sign that your fertility has returned or will return soon. As menstruation returns to a fairly regular schedule, it usually means that you are back to full fertility and breastfeeding won't have any effect on your ability to get pregnant.
How do I know if I'm ovulating while breastfeeding?You Got Your Period
Getting your period is a clear sign of returning fertility while breastfeeding. If the egg is released and you bleed, you can expect ovulation to follow as well. If you don't want to get pregnant again so soon after giving birth, start using some other form of birth control.
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Chances of getting pregnant while breastfeeding with period
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