Contraception after Pregnancy - Spectrum Sexual Health

How soon can I get pregnant again?

You can get pregnant as soon as 21 days after having a baby so you will need to use a method of contraception from 3 weeks onwards. It makes sense to think about options before delivery or soon after. You should have a chance to discuss this with your midwife either during pregnancy or after the birth. It is possible to get pregnant before your first period and even if you are breast feeding, although exclusive breast feeding does give some protection (see section below).

After a miscarriage or termination, it is possible to conceive as soon as 5 days after so it’s important to commence contraception as soon as possible.

When can I start using contraception after giving birth?

The contraceptive implant, progesterone only pills and condoms can be commenced safely at birth or soon afterwards.

Contraceptive injections are suitable for some women immediately after birth, but if you have an increased risk of blood clots you may need to start this from 6 weeks post-delivery and/or choose another method.

Hormone and copper coils can be fitted either at the time of Caesarean section or soon after vaginal birth. If they are not fitted within 48 hours of delivery the fit will need to be delayed until at least 4 weeks after birth.

Combined hormonal contraceptive methods (combined pills, patches and rings) are not safe to use immediately after birth due to an increased risk of blood clots post-delivery. For some women they can be started 3 weeks after birth, but if you are breast feeding or have increased risk of clotting you may need to wait until 6 weeks or you may not be eligible for these methods. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise on what is suitable.

Diaphragms are not recommended in the first 6 weeks after birth due to the changes in shape of the neck of the womb and vagina which mean they may not be as effective at preventing pregnancy.

Fertility awareness methods are less reliable after giving birth; you should have at least 3 normal, regular periods before using fertility awareness apps or other methods.

Read our leaflet

Where can I obtain contraception?

In some parts of the UK it is possible to obtain contraception prior to leaving hospital after the birth of your baby. Alternatively, you can contact your local sexual health clinic (Spectrum in Wakefield District) to discuss contraceptive options and arrange a coil or implant fitting or to get an injection, pills, contraceptive patches or rings as well as condoms and diaphragms.

Your GP or Practice Nurse can discuss contraception options with you and provide many methods; some offer coil and implant fitting. Your local pharmacy can also support provision of contraceptive pills and emergency contraception, find your closest here.

You will probably have a chance to discuss this at the six-week (or eight-week) postnatal check at your GP surgery but it’s fine to contact Spectrum, your GP or Pharmacy before this if you need contraception earlier. If you’re 16-25 you can get free condoms with the C-card scheme.

C-card scheme

What about breast feeding?

Breast feeding can reduce the chance of becoming pregnant again if certain conditions are met. You need to be exclusively or nearly exclusively breast-feeding day and night, meaning your baby is not having other liquids or solids (apart from occasional water/medicines/vitamins), and without long gaps between feeds.

You should be within the first six months after birth and your periods must have not restarted. If all these conditions are met, there is only a 2% chance of pregnancy.

However, many women opt to use another method in addition to reduce the chance of an unplanned pregnancy. Most women can use any method while breast feeding, although it is recommended to delay starting combined hormonal methods until at least 6 weeks post birth.

How long should I wait before getting pregnant again?

It is best to wait at least 12 months, preferably longer before getting pregnant again. If you have a baby within 12 months of a vaginal delivery, there is an increased risk of your baby being born early or having a low birth weight. There are also some risks if you have another pregnancy within 12 months of a Caesarean section, so it is better for yours and the baby’s health to delay future pregnancies if possible.