Key Takeaways:
- How Ovulation Works in a Typical Cycle: During a typical cycle, hormones cue the ovaries to mature an egg and release it around mid-cycle. After ovulation, your uterine lining prepares for a possible pregnancy, then sheds if fertilization does not happen.
- Understanding Superfetation and Why It’s Exceptionally Rare: After conception, your body shifts hormones like hCG and progesterone to pause ovulation and protect the pregnancy already underway. Because cervical mucus thickens and the uterus changes to support implantation, superfetation is considered extremely uncommon and only rarely reported.
- Ovulation-Like Symptoms You Might Feel During Pregnancy: Early pregnancy hormones can create sensations that echo ovulation cues, like pelvic twinges, breast tenderness, bloating, or cervical mucus changes. Those signals often reflect your body adapting to pregnancy, so checking in with a provider can help if symptoms feel intense.
There’s a lot of confusion and silence when it comes to how our bodies work around pregnancy and ovulation. We grow up fielding a patchwork of half-answers, taboos, and whispered “facts” that do more to muddy the waters than clarify them. One of the trickiest, most Googled mysteries: Ovulation during pregnancy. Is it possible to ovulate after you’ve conceived? What does it actually mean for our bodies, our menstrual cycles, and the future periods we might (or might not) expect?
At Saalt, we believe in simple, honest, and stigma-busting conversation rooted in science and empathy. Whether you’re navigating your fertility, curious about what’s happening under the surface, or just trying to make more empowered choices about your health, we want you to feel informed and supported, not left guessing.
In this article, we’re breaking down what science says about ovulation during pregnancy, how your body’s rhythms change, and why understanding these processes matters for everyone who menstruates.
How Ovulation Works in a Typical Cycle
Let’s break down what’s actually happening during a typical ovulation cycle. Our bodies run on a rhythm set by hormonal cues, like a beautifully orchestrated symphony. At the beginning of a cycle, hormones signal the ovaries to start maturing a group of eggs inside tiny sacs called follicles. Usually, just one follicle becomes dominant and, around the middle of the cycle, releases its egg into the fallopian tube. This process is ovulation.
Ovulation is our body’s way of preparing for a possible pregnancy. The egg waits in the fallopian tube for fertilization, but it only hangs out for about a day. Meanwhile, hormones are also thickening the uterine lining, getting it ready for the potential arrival of a fertilized egg. If fertilization doesn’t happen, hormone levels dip, and the uterine lining sheds.
It’s pretty incredible: ovulation is the result of a delicate hormonal dance between the brain and the ovaries, fine-tuned to support our potential to create new life. And in each cycle, your body goes through these changes whether you’re tracking your fertility, managing period leaks, or just appreciating the power of your own natural rhythms.
What Hormonal Shifts Stop Ovulation After Conception
Your body is powered by remarkably intelligent systems, and the hormonal shifts after conception are nothing short of amazing. Right after an egg is fertilized and implants in the uterus, your body’s hormone levels shift into high gear to support the start of pregnancy.
The key player here is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body begins producing shortly after implantation. Rising hCG levels signal your ovaries to dial back their usual cycle. This is paired with a surge in progesterone, another hormone essential for maintaining the uterine lining and creating the ideal conditions for a developing embryo.
Together, these hormonal changes essentially hit the pause button on your monthly cycle. The feedback loop that leads to ovulation, the coordinated dance between the brain, pituitary gland, and ovaries, is disrupted. When your body detects higher levels of progesterone and hCG, it stops maturing eggs for release, and ovulation halts while you’re pregnant.
Ultimately, this shift helps prevent a new egg from being released while an embryo is developing. That biology also helps explain why questions like can you get pregnant while ovulating can feel confusing during pregnancy, since the hormonal signals that drive ovulation have already changed course.
Can You Release an Egg While Already Pregnant?
It’s a fair question to wonder if you can ovulate while already pregnant. After all, bodies can be full of surprises. Let’s get right to the science: For most people, ovulating during pregnancy simply isn’t possible. Here’s why.
Once an egg is fertilized and implants in the uterus, your body releases hormones (like hCG and progesterone) that effectively put ovulation on pause. These hormones prevent your ovaries from maturing and releasing another egg. In practical terms, your body gets a very clear message: there’s no need for another egg right now, let’s focus on the one that’s already settled in.
Still, biology always makes room for exceptions. There are extremely rare cases of something called “superfetation,” when a second egg is released, fertilized, and implanted during an existing pregnancy. Documented cases are incredibly uncommon, with only a handful recorded in medical literature worldwide. Experts believe it requires a very unique set of circumstances for this to occur, including the body not recognizing pregnancy hormones or an unusual hormonal fluctuation.
For the vast majority of us, when pregnancy begins, the door firmly closes on ovulation until after birth (or, in some cases, after you stop nursing). If you have questions about your menstrual cycle, hormones, or reproductive health, reaching out to a trusted healthcare provider can bring clarity, support, and peace of mind. Our bodies are complex, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Natural Barriers That Prevent a Second Pregnancy
During pregnancy, our bodies become fortresses of protection, designed to nurture new life and prevent competing pregnancies. Once an egg is fertilized and implants in the uterus, powerful hormonal shifts create a series of natural barriers that help prevent a second pregnancy.
Rising levels of progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) pause the regular ovulation cycle. As a result, the ovaries stop releasing eggs each month, which helps keep the body focused on the pregnancy already in progress. In other words, the hormonal feedback loop that typically drives ovulation quiets down during pregnancy.
Next, cervical mucus thickens. During the menstrual cycle, it can act like a more open passageway. During pregnancy, it becomes a dense plug that blocks sperm from moving into the uterus. That shift offers another layer of built-in protection while the body supports a developing embryo.
Finally, the uterine lining changes once pregnancy begins. Rather than preparing to shed, it redirects its resources to supporting the implanted embryo. At the same time, hormone patterns reduce the signals that would allow a newly fertilized egg to implant. In effect, the uterus becomes a protected home for the current pregnancy.
Altogether, these barriers work in concert, hormonal, physical, and cellular, to maintain pregnancy and keep both body and baby supported. This system is finely tuned, steady, and deeply protective.
Ovulation-Like Symptoms You Might Feel During Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant but experiencing sensations that remind you of ovulation, you’re not alone. Many people notice twinges, mild cramps, or other familiar changes during early pregnancy that feel similar to monthly ovulation cues. That overlap makes sense, since hormones play a major role in both experiences.
To start, let’s set the record straight: ovulating during pregnancy is not possible. Still, the surge of hormones, particularly in the first trimester, can mimic signals you may associate with ovulation. For example, you might feel pelvic discomfort, notice changes in cervical mucus, or experience breast tenderness. In addition, some people report bloating, a stronger sense of smell, or shifts in libido.
So what’s going on? Estrogen and progesterone continue to rise and fluctuate throughout pregnancy. Since those hormones also shape the typical cycle, spikes can create sensations that echo what you’d normally feel around ovulation, even though an egg is not being released.
Even so, those symptoms can feel confusing, particularly if you know your cycle well. Our advice is simple: trust your instincts while letting science ground you. These sensations are real, and they often reflect your body adapting to pregnancy. If anything feels intense, persistent, or worrisome, reaching out to a trusted healthcare provider can offer reassurance.
As your body changes, comfort matters too. If you need a supportive layer for discharge, spotting, or everyday peace of mind, our period underwear can help you feel more secure.
When to Consult Your Provider About Unusual Bleeding or Pain
Our bodies are designed to adapt and change. At times, though, new symptoms can signal that you deserve extra support and clarity. Unusual bleeding or ongoing pain during pregnancy can be your body asking for attention, so listening matters.
In early pregnancy, light spotting can happen for some people. Still, heavier bleeding, bleeding paired with cramps, or bleeding that lasts for several days is worth a call to your healthcare provider. Similarly, persistent or intense pain deserves prompt care and reassurance.
At the same time, online forums can make symptoms feel harder to interpret. Even so, you know your body best. If something feels off, trusting yourself is a strong next step. Signs to bring up with your provider can include bleeding that soaks through a pad in an hour, pain that continues without relief, sudden severe abdominal cramps, fainting, dizziness, or passing clots or tissue. Since pregnancy symptoms vary widely, reaching out sooner can offer peace of mind and guidance.
Moving through pregnancy can also shift what feels comfortable day to day. If you’re exploring internal period care options for after pregnancy, or you’re simply planning, our menstrual cups are designed to fit different bodies and routines. For a closer look at our period discs or when you’re ready to try them out, our step-by-step guide on how to insert a menstrual disc can help you feel more confident.
Make the Switch
We know how easy it is for myths and questions to swirl when it comes to reproductive health, especially around ovulating during pregnancy. The clear answer, rooted in science and decades of research, is that you do not ovulate when pregnant. Once conception happens, your body’s hormones step up and shift your cycle into a new phase, pausing ovulation until after pregnancy ends. This is a remarkable demonstration of what our bodies are capable of: powerful, resilient, and always working for us.
We believe in dissolving the uncertainty and taboos around reproductive health. By talking openly and honestly, we empower each other to make informed decisions, whether we’re planning for the future, navigating pregnancy, or exploring sustainable period care. At Saalt, we’re here to support you at every stage with clean, high-performance products that care for your body and the planet.
If you’re curious about our patented designs and our commitment to innovation, check out our patents page to see how we put people and planet first. Let’s keep this conversation going because your health and confidence are worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can You Get Pregnant While Ovulating?
Can you get pregnant again while already pregnant?
In typical pregnancies, the body’s hormone levels shift and ovulation halts, making it very unlikely to release another egg. However, there are extremely rare cases of superfetation, where a second ovulation leads to another conception while already pregnant. This is not the norm, and most people can’t get pregnant again during an existing pregnancy.
How do hormones change after conception?
Once conception occurs, hormone levels, especially progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), rise dramatically. These changes signal your body to pause ovulation and start maintaining the uterine lining to support the new pregnancy. Our cycles are designed to prioritize nurturing a new life, and after conception, all attention turns to growing that little embryo.
Why do periods stop during pregnancy?
After conception, rising progesterone levels tell the body to hold off on your menstrual cycle. The lining of the uterus, which normally sheds as your period, is kept in place to nourish the pregnancy. So, once you’re pregnant, periods typically pause, as your body is focused on a new task.
Can ovulation tests be positive during pregnancy?
Ovulation tests detect luteinizing hormone (LH), which spikes before ovulation. After conception, it’s the hCG hormone that surges, not LH. However, some pregnancy tests can cross-react and show a false positive if they accidentally pick up on elevated hCG. If you think you're ovulating during pregnancy due to a test result, it’s best to follow up with your healthcare provider for clarity.
If I have ovarian pain during pregnancy, am I ovulating?
Ovarian discomfort isn’t always linked to ovulation during pregnancy. The growing uterus, corpus luteum changes, or even round ligament pain can cause sensations similar to ovulation pain. Listen to your body. If pain is persistent or severe, reach out to your provider for reassurance.
Can ultrasound detect ovulation during pregnancy?
Ultrasounds during pregnancy show how your uterus and baby are progressing, but they don’t assess for ovulation. By design, ovulation should have already stopped. Imaging might reveal ovarian cysts or corpus luteum activity, but it won’t indicate new ovulation during pregnancy.
How soon after birth does ovulation return?
Everyone’s cycle is unique, but ovulation can return as early as a few weeks postpartum—or later if breastfeeding. The first ovulation after birth often happens before your first period returns, so it’s possible to conceive even if your period hasn’t made a comeback yet.
Does breastfeeding prevent ovulation after pregnancy?
Breastfeeding can delay the return of ovulation because it suppresses the hormones necessary for the cycle to resume. However, this isn’t foolproof. Everyone’s hormonal balance is different, so ovulation and periods can still sneak back unexpectedly. If you’re not ready for another pregnancy, it’s worth talking with your healthcare provider about contraceptive options.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, January 6). Superfetation: Twins, causes, diagnosis, risks & delivery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24590-superfetation
- Ava Health. (2025, October 30). Can I only get pregnant during ovulation? A deep dive into fertility and timing. https://avahealthpdx.org/can-you-get-pregnant-during-ovulation/
- Chao, S. (1987, March). The effect of lactation on ovulation and fertility. Clinics in Perinatology, 14(1), 39–50. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3549114/
