Background: Pregnancy during breastfeeding is common in Egypt and is often unplanned, Overlap between pregnancy and breastfeeding was more common for short birth intervals and it could increase the risk of mothers and prenatal adverse outcomes. Aim of the study: was to study the effect of lactation during pregnancy on the maternal and prenatal outcome. Subjects and Methods: Prospective- cohort study, 540 women
convenient sample:conducted in six maternal and child health centers in Assiut governorate (Kolta, Hay ktharb, Elarbaeen, Hay shark, El Ganaiem and Manfalote MCH). Women were divided into two groups (270) Women who got pregnant during breastfeeding and (270) women who got pregnant after weaning. Results: The miscarriage rate was not statistically significant (P=0.284).however, pregnancy during breastfeeding women had higher incidence of Anima (54.1%), IUGR (16.7%), CS (43.7%), Prolonged labor (13.3%) and low birth weights (LBW) (14.4%) compared with pregnant after weaning women .The results of present study revealed that there was no significant relation between the duration of lactation during the current pregnancy and complications.
Conclusion: breastfeeding during pregnancy doesn't increase the miscarriage rate. However, increases the risk of IUGR, anemia, prolonged labor, LBW and CS. Recommendations: Women should be better educated about the immediate interpregnancy interval and nutrition.