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  |  Pregnancy  |  1st Trimester  |  Can breastfeeding 'cover up' a period
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Can breastfeeding 'cover up' a period

by Peg Plumbo

question
I'm breastfeeding my 10-month-old two to three times a day. When I thought I was having a period last week (on time) it turned out to be only mild spotting. My periods are usually very heavy, and I've had two normal, consecutive ones since my daughter was born. Is it possible for the breastfeeding to ‘cover up’ a period, or is it more likely I'm pregnant?

answer
If it’s not typical for you to have short periods, you may be pregnant. However, it is also normal for breastfeeding to suppress ovulation, causing lighter periods. When hormonal levels are not high enough to induce ovulation, your period may be shorter and lighter.

I recommend you take a pregnancy test just to be sure. If the test is negative, repeat it in one or two weeks’ time. Each pregnancy is different and the fact that you are breastfeeding may indeed change the symptoms enough to hide a pregnancy.

Good luck.

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