Is It Bad to Breastfeed While Pregnant?

Breastfeeding provides your baby with just the right nutrients she needs to grow, protects her from illness and decreases her risk of allergies and cavities, according to La Leche League International. If you become pregnant with another child before your baby is weaned, however, you might be concerned about whether there is a potential risk to either child or yourself. In most cases, breastfeeding while pregnant is not a problem.

Nutrition

Breastfeeding means youre nourishing two people instead of one. When you add pregnancy into the mix, your nutritional needs increase, especially in the last months of pregnancy when your baby is growing fast. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, youll need about 300 extra calories each day, according to The American Pregnancy Association. Most women also need about 400 to 500 extra calories a day while breastfeeding, according to MayoClinic.com. You should aim to consume at least eight glasses of water, as well as other liquids each day.

Issues Related to Pregnancy

Although your breast milk is still nutritious, its content could change because of your pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, you might find that your child responds to changes in the taste of your breast milk. Your milk production could also decrease as you reach the later stages of pregnancy. Some older children may wean themselves at this point, according to MayoClinic.com. Nipple tenderness and breast soreness often occur during pregnancy, and you might find that nursing becomes uncomfortable.

An Occasional Risk

Breastfeeding during pregnancy might not be safe in one situation, according to AskDrSears.com. Some women who have had preterm labor -- labor that begins earlier than the 37th week of pregnancy -- or who have a history of miscarriages may be susceptible to a hormone that causes uterine contractions. When you breastfeed, your body releases that hormone into your bloodstream. The site notes that most women are not sensitive to this hormone and can breastfeed during pregnancy without problems.

Other Concerns

Relatives or friends may express concerns if you decide to breastfeed while pregnant. Reassure them that neither child will be deprived of nutrients and that you are not risking the health of the new baby or yourself. Ensure that you eat properly, get adequate rest and take prenatal vitamins or supplements as recommended by your doctor. Ultimately, it is your decision whether to continue nursing while pregnant. If you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding while pregnant, discuss them with your obstetrician or family doctor.