Are You Experiencing Any Signs of Ovulation?
Postpartum is a period of immense change in both your physical and mental state of being. During pregnancy, your body stops ovulating; but after birth, as time flies by and nursing patterns change, your body begins to transition back to fertility. By recognizing these signs of ovulation, you can make more informed decisions to support your reproductive health and family planning. Here are 5 signs of returning fertility while breastfeeding.
1. Return of Menstrual Periods
Although breastfeeding may delay menstruation, it does not prevent it indefinitely. Some women may not menstruate for several months after birth, while some women may experience their first postpartum period as early as six weeks after childbirth. But If you are experiencing menstrual periods then that is one of the most obvious signs that fertility is returning.
2. Increased Libido
Hormonal shifts that accompany the return of ovulation often lead to a heightened sex drive. So if you are experiencing an increase in sex drive and libido then this can be another clear sign of returning fertility. While this can be a natural part of postpartum recovery, it also suggests that your body is becoming more fertile.
3. Ovulation Pain
Some women may experience mild pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen during ovulation, known as mittelschmerz. If you start noticing this pain around the middle of your menstrual cycle then it might be a sign that you are ovulating again. But it is important to note that if you are experiencing ovulation pain then it does not mean that you are more fertile than someone who doesn’t experience it. Also, if you do not experience any pain then it does not mean that you are not fertile.
4. Changing Breastfeeding Patterns
Changes in your baby’s breastfeeding patterns can also influence your fertility. As your baby begins to nurse less frequently or starts sleeping through the night, your prolactin levels decrease. These lower prolactin levels can trigger the return of ovulation and menstruation.
5. Mood Swings and PMS Symptoms
Lastly, the return of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness, can also be a sign that your body is ovulating again. These symptoms often precede menstruation and are a clear indicator that your hormonal cycle is normalizing.
Final Thoughts
Are you still unsure about if your fertility is returning? Then ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) can be a helpful tool to help you determine if you are ovulating. A positive OPK result indicates that your body is preparing to release an egg, signifying the return of fertility. By understanding these signs of returning fertility, you can make more informed decisions about your reproductive health. But It is important to remember that every woman’s body is different, and the return of fertility can vary widely. If you have any concerns or questions about your postpartum fertility, then consulting with a healthcare provider is always a wise step. We hope you found this article informative. Please don’t forget to share. You may also be interested in a previous article on 5 Things to Do If Your Milk Supply Suddenly Dropped.
Sources
www.oova.life/blog/signs-of-ovulation-while-breastfeeding
www.toplinemd.com/university-park-obgyn/signs-of-ovulation-while-breastfeeding-can-you-get-pregnant
