I am breastfeeding my 4 month old daughter, not supplementing with any formula, but have been giving her solids for a month at our pediatrician's suggestion. I have been on the mini pill since 6 weeks after her birth, but I'm not always the most effective pill taker - missing a day and doubling up the next or being late by several hours. We're not using any other forms of contraceptives. I did have a period after I started the pill, but haven't had one since. When I was pregnant with our daughter, I had very few indicators of the pregnancy and had taken an hpt just out of habit, catching the pregnancy 10-14 days after conception. For the last few weeks, I've been pretty wiped out (which is definitely unusual for me as I'm an avid exercise-aholic), somewhat moody (also rather unusual), and my milk production is slower than it was (even since we started solids). I took a bunch of hpt's (terribly impatient) about 10-14 days ago, all of which were negative. Because of nursing, I've been drinking liquids like a fiend, even before bed and know that that can throw off the tests. I'm hesitant to take the pill until I take more tests, but am hesitant to waste more money on them. I had called my OB/GYN before taking them, but they said to just take an hpt. Any thoughts, similar stories, help, advice... would be VERY much appreciated!!!
To respond to a question - she sleeps 8 hours at night without a nursing session. She eats solids 3 times a day with 4-6 nursings.
It happened to me! I was on the mini-pill & we started solids at five months, that same month I was pregnant.
Hi M.,
Let the health care professional tell you the important stuff (previous post), but let the former Pharm. Rep. tell you to buy the Dollar Store brand pregnancy tests!! They're made by a reputable company in MD., they work (I used them for all three of my preg), and they're only $1.00!!! You could buy 10 or more for the price of one EPT, etc. Good luck, no matter the outcome!
Advice from a med. prof. (yours truly):
1) DO NOT double up on the pill when you forget and remember, but do keep to the instructions in the insert that should have come with them.
2) Liquids can dilute your urine, yes, but if there is ANY trace of human growth hormone (what the test looks for) in your urine, then it doesn't matter how much - it's still there! And thusly the test will pick up on it - or at least it SHOULD, you really don't want to buy the cheap product when it comes to things like this, it's too important.
If you are having sex unprotected it is always possible that you could get pregnant. Do you still nurse at night time? Wait another few days to take another test. If it is negative it is likely that you are not pregnant. good luck
I'd say if you haven't taken a pregnancy test for 10-14 days then take one again now right when you wake up in the morning (urine is more concentrated). If that one's negative I wouldn't worry.
I know what you mean about wasting money on the tests, they are stupidly expensive when they all test for the same exact thing -- the hormone you create when pregnant. It doesn't sound to me like you are, but I've found tests at the dollar store. They have them in Northway Mall on McKnight Road. They are the pee in the cup variety, but still work.
Those tests are pretty accurate. I'd say wait a few days and take it first thing in the morning, and if it's still negative, it's probably pretty unlikely that you are pregnant. Having a newborn can drain even the most energetic person, and if your baby isn't sleeping great at night it (or even if your baby is!) the constant around the clock care is enough to make anyone moody. It's tough. Take care!
I did not have a period the whole time I was on the mini pill but I did take them religiously. Boy, I miss those days :-)
I am in the same boat as you. I am always paranoid that I may be pregnant again. I buy my pregnancy tests at Dollar tree. They are reliable and only$1 so I don't feel like I am wasting my $ by taking a test
I would reccomend taking another test. Maybe right after you wake up when your urine is most potient. From what I've heard, and what I was told since I am also on the mini pill, when taking the mini pill you have to be extremely consitent when you take it (like within an hr of the time you took it the day before) or it is very infallable.
However also remember that cycles are very inconsistant while BFing. I had my first one 6 weeks postpartum, but then didn't have one for another 2 months. I have even had 2 in one month. They are so wacky.
All of your symptoms could also be because you may be getting your period soon. I know that I never had typical PMS symptoms prior to this pregnancy, but now I get cramps, headaches, and am very tired the 2 weeks or so before I start. It is common for supply to go down also when you are getting your period.
I'm with your OB without taking a test you are worrying for no reason. Good luck.
Hi M.,
Contact your local La Leche League consultant.
she may be able to offer some expert advice.
Good luck. D.
