![Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding and Not Having a Period](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/mother-baby-breast-milk-breastfeeding-parenting.jpg?output-quality=75)
It is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding and not having a period, though the chances of conception are reduced.
Pregnancy can occur any time starting about 3 weeks after giving birth, even if you are breastfeeding and have not yet had a period. It’s a misconception that a woman cannot get pregnant following delivery until at least one period has occurred. But the ovaries release an egg before a period starts so a person may be fertile for at least a few weeks before there are any obvious signs.
How Does Breastfeeding Affect Fertility?
Fertility does tend to be reduced while breastfeeding, because breastfeeding lowers the levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone which are necessary for ovulation and pregnancy to occur.
Those who breastfeed more frequently will have lower levels of these hormones and be less likely to become pregnant.
Can Breastfeeding Work as a Form of Birth Control?
Breastfeeding is sometimes used as a form of birth control, called the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). In order for this method to work, three criteria must be met:
- There must be no menstrual period (amenorrhea)
- The mother must be fully or nearly fully breastfeeding (not more than 4-6 hours between breastfeedings)
- It must be less than 6 months postpartum
Even with LAM, however, pregnancy can still occur. The longer the baby goes between feedings, the greater the chances are that pregnancy can occur.
For those who do not wish to become pregnant while breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to use contraception. Talk to your doctor about the type of contraception that is best to use while breastfeeding.
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