Birth control options after having a baby (contraception)

Did you know that you could get pregnant from three weeks after giving birth? A gap of less than a year between babies could be exhausting. It can increase the risk of your baby not growing well in pregnancy and/or being born too early. Many new mothers have unplanned pregnancy in the year after having a baby. This article aims to help you learn about your choices if you do not want to have another baby straight away. If you want to know more about a specific method, please ask your midwife or doctor/consultant.

When could I get pregnant?

You can get pregnant from 3 weeks (21 days) after the birth of your baby.

If you are not fully breastfeeding your baby at least every four hours day and night, then you could get pregnant any time from three weeks after birth. You could get pregnant before your periods re-start.

You are recommended to start contraception as soon as possible (even if you are breastfeeding). It will reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy.

Does breastfeeding stop me getting pregnant?

Breastfeeding is not a reliable method of contraception. It is advised that you use other methods of contraception to stop pregnancy.

But you are less likely to get pregnant if:

Your baby is less than 6 months old AND
Your periods have not come back AND
You are fully breastfeeding day and night with no bottle feeds at all

What are the options for birth control?

There are a few different options. If you have certain medical conditions they may not all be right for you. Please ask your midwife or doctor. They can talk to you about which is the best choice for you. You can also contact your GP. They may be able to offer this service or they can refer you to your local sexual health clinic.

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) are the best ways to stop unplanned pregnancy.

These include:

Implant (Nexplanon)
Progestogen injection (Depot Provera)
IUS (also known as the hormonal coil or the Mirena^®, Levosert or Kyleena^® coil)
IUD (also known as the copper coil)

Other methods are:

Hormonal tablets (such as “the pill” or “mini-pill”)
Barrier methods, e.g. condoms or diaphragm (less effective than hormonal methods or the IUD)

Implant

The implant is a tiny rod, about the size of a bendy matchstick. It is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. The implant releases a hormone called progestogen. It stops your ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens your cervical mucus. This helps to block sperm from getting to the egg in the first place.

Injection – Depo Provera

The injection has progestogen which is a hormone that stops your ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens your cervical mucus. This helps to block sperm from getting to the egg in the first place.

Hormone Intrauterine System (IUS) Mirena^®or Levosert^® coil

The IUS is a T-shaped device. It is put in your womb (uterus). It releases a small amount of progestogen. This stops sperm from getting through the cervix.

IUD (Intrauterine Device) or copper coil

A small T-shaped device is put in the womb. It lasts for 5 to 10 years. It depends on the device. The IUD works by slowly releasing very small amounts of copper into your womb. This is toxic to sperm. It is usually inserted through the vagina at least 6 weeks after birth (although it can sometimes be inserted within 48 hours of the birth). It can be inserted at the time of caesarean section.

Progesterone only pills (minipill)

These pills have only 1 hormone called progestogen. The pills are taken every day with no break. There are 2 kinds of progestogen only pill:

Thickens the cervical mucus stopping sperm reaching the egg
Stops the ovary from releasing the egg

Combined hormonal contraception pills

These methods have 2 hormones called oestrogen and progestogen. These stop your ovaries from releasing an egg.

It is a pill that you take at the same time every day.

There are lots of different kinds of pills on the market.

There are also patches or vaginal rings which work in the same way.

Surgery leading to permanent sterilisation

Sterilisation is an operation to stop pregnancy. Men and women can both be sterilised.

Female sterilisation

This involves blocking the fallopian tubes so that sperm cannot get through to meet an egg. You will need to have it done in hospital. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible. They can advise you about what your options are.

Remember that the intrauterine methods (hormone IUS and copper IUCD) and implant mentioned in this leaflet work as well as female sterilisation.

Male sterilisation (vasectomy)

This involves blocking the tubes (vas deferens) that take sperm from the testicles to the penis. It is a quick procedure. It is done under local anaesthetic. It can be done in a community clinic. Talk to your GP for a referral to the right service. Male sterilisation works better than female sterilisation. It is a much simpler procedure but cannot be reversed.

Can I use emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception (EC) is contraception that is:

taken after sex has taken place without contraception or
where the contraception has failed (for example you have missed your pill, or a condom has come off during sex).

EC can be given by taking a tablet, or inserting an IUD.

You can use an emergency contraceptive pill from 21 days after the birth, or the IUD from 28 days after the birth.

When and where can I access different methods?

It may be possible to insert a contraceptive implant, coil, or to start the injection or mini pill on the postnatal ward before you go home. Please ask if you would like one of these.

You can get contraception from your GP or local Family Planning Clinic (see below).

Useful Contact:

Leicester Sexual Health Clinic

Haymarket Health, 1st Floor, Haymarket Shopping Centre LE1 3YT

Appointments: leicestersexualhealth.nhs.uk

Phone: 0300 124 0102

When could I get pregnant?

Does breastfeeding stop me getting pregnant?