while the mother being nursing why pregnancy doesn't occur
During breastfeeding, a hormone called prolactin is released which helps produce milk and suppresses the release of hormones needed for ovulation and pregnancy. This is known as lactational amenorrhea and acts as a natural form of contraception. However, it is important to note that breastfeeding alone is not an entirely reliable method of birth control and may not prevent pregnancy in all cases. Other factors such as the frequency and intensity of breastfeeding, the age of the baby, and the mother's individual fertility can also influence the chances of pregnancy occurring while breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, the mother's body undergoes significant changes, including hormonal fluctuations that prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries. This is due to the presence of high levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) produced by the developing embryo.
When a mother is nursing an infant, she also experiences hormonal changes that can affect her menstrual cycle. The hormone prolactin, responsible for milk production, is released in higher quantities during breastfeeding. Prolactin suppresses the release of gonadotropins, which are essential for the maturation and release of eggs.
However, it is important to note that breastfeeding is not a foolproof method of birth control, as ovulation can still occur irregularly in some women. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss appropriate contraceptive methods if pregnancy prevention is desired.
Pregnancy typically doesn't occur while a mother is breastfeeding due to a natural process called lactational amenorrhea. Lactational amenorrhea refers to the suppression of ovulation and menstruation that often occurs when a woman is exclusively breastfeeding her baby.
When a mother breastfeeds frequently and exclusively, the hormone prolactin is released from her pituitary gland. Prolactin stimulates milk production and has the additional effect of suppressing the release of another hormone called GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). When GnRH levels are low, the pituitary gland doesn't release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in sufficient amounts to trigger ovulation.
Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from the ovary, making it available for fertilization by sperm. Without ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur. Additionally, the lack of menstrual bleeding during breastfeeding indicates the absence of a regular menstrual cycle.
It is important to note that lactational amenorrhea as a birth control method is most effective when certain criteria are met, including exclusive breastfeeding with no formula supplementation, frequent breastfeeding day and night, and the absence of a return of menstruation. If any of these criteria are not met, the chances of pregnancy increase. It is recommended to use additional contraceptive methods if avoiding pregnancy is desired while breastfeeding.