Pregnancy and Contraceptives: What You Should Know

When we think of contraception, we think of birth control. But what if you get pregnant? How to go about contraception when you are post-partum? Maybe you have had to get an abortion, or you have tragically had a miscarriage.

In any of the scenarios, you can get pregnant again. You may want to take a beat before getting pregnant again, or you may want to avoid pregnancy altogether. To avoid an unplanned pregnancy, you may want to think about your available contraceptive options. Let’s explore them together.

Thinking about contraception right after giving birth is possibly the last thing that would occupy your mind. However, a significant number of unplanned pregnancies do occur, usually within weeks or months after giving birth.

While it is necessary to think about contraception, it is also important to choose the right contraceptive method. Let’s help you feel more prepared for the choices ahead.

It is recommended that you start contraception three weeks after giving birth. If you are not breastfeeding, you can choose any form of birth control that suits your needs. However, if you are breastfeeding, it is recommended that you do not use any contraceptive method that has oestrogen in it.

Contraception that can be used when you are breastfeeding :

• IUDs

• The mini pill

• Condoms

• Diaphragms

• Implantable rod

• Contraceptive injectio

• Sterilisation

It is important to note that breastfeeding can work as a natural birth control after pregnancy. However, this only works if you breastfeed regularly and frequently.

Breastfeeding can act as a form of contraception by delaying the return of your periods, which is known as the lactational amenorrhea method(LAM). However, this is not a reliable method and is only effective under certain conditions. Specifically, breastfeeding as a contraceptive method works only if:

• Your baby is younger than six months old

• Your periods have not yet returned

• You are exclusively breastfeeding on demand, both day and night (this means at least six long feedings within a 24-hour period, with no more than a four-hour gap between feeds)

Once your baby stops being exclusively breastfed, this method is no longer effective, and you will need to consider another form of contraception.

Before you search ‘Best birth control for new moms’, make sure that you speak to your doctor and make a well-informed decision that is suited to your particular needs.

Even if you get an abortion, you can become fertile(ovulation) again very soon(as early as eight to ten days). This can happen even before your period returns. If you have unprotected sex within a week after your abortion, there’s a risk of an unplanned pregnancy.

You can typically use any contraceptive method, but the type of abortion you’ve had may influence how soon contraception becomes effective. It’s important to consult your doctor about your options, as they can help you select a method that is most suitable for you.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that certain contraceptive methods, such as the diaphragm and cervical cap, should not be used until six weeks after a second-trimester abortion to allow your body time to heal properly.

Though this may be a difficult time, your health is paramount. Be sure to speak with your doctor to ensure that you make the best choices for your body and future well-being.

If you have had the misfortune to go through the trauma of a miscarriage, thinking about contraception might be the last thing on your mind. However, it’s important to know that your periods may resume in three to six weeks after a miscarriage, even though it can vary from person to person.

But you can get pregnant even before your period returns because ovulation typically happens around two weeks before your period.

If you don’t have any underlying health conditions or risk factors, you can generally start any contraceptive method immediately.

If you opt for hormonal contraception and begin it more than 5 days after treatment for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, you should use an additional method of contraception, such as condoms, or avoid sex for the following durations:

• two days after starting the progestogen-only pill.

• seven days after starting the IUD, contraceptive implant, contraceptive injection, combined pill, contraceptive patch, or contraceptive vaginal ring.

Choosing contraception, even when you may not feel ready to think about it, can be an important step in taking control of your health and future. Life can be challenging and unpredictable, and while it may not always feel easy, making informed decisions about contraception allows you to manage your circumstances in the best way possible.

Taking care of yourself, both emotionally and physically, is vital during difficult times. It’s important to remember that you have options, and seeking guidance from your healthcare provider can help you find the method that works best for you, ensuring you feel empowered and supported as you move forward.

Q. When can I start contraception after an abortion?

You can start almost all contraceptive methods immediately after an abortion, even on the same day.

Q. How soon can I get pregnant after an abortion?

Periods can return 4-6 weeks after an abortion, and you can get pregnant even before your period returns.

Q. When can I start contraception after a miscarriage?

You can start almost all contraceptive methods immediately after an abortion, even on the same day.

Q. When can I start contraception after giving birth?

You can get pregnant again 3 weeks after giving birth, even if your periods have not started yet. So, you need to use contraception as soon as you start to have sex after giving birth.

Q. Can I use breastfeeding as contraception?

Breastfeeding may temporarily cause ovulation and your periods to stop and thus reduce your chances of getting pregnant. But it is not very effective, and you could still get pregnant.