Post-birth contraception

Contraception may be the last thing on your mind when you are pregnant, but it is the best time to think about it if you want to delay or avoid another pregnancy.

Many unplanned pregnancies happen in the first few months after childbirth. You can get pregnant as early as three weeks after your baby is born.

Even if you are not interested in having sex after the birth, it is better to be prepared. Feelings can change, and it is possible to get pregnant quickly. Research has shown it is ideal to leave 12 to 24 months before getting pregnant again. This allows your body to recover and the healing process to begin. Giving your body and your next baby the best possible advantage

From 21 days after giving birth, you are no longer naturally protected from pregnancy and should consider some form of contraception. Many methods of contraception can be started straight after birth. They are safe for you and your baby, even if you are breastfeeding. There is no need to wait for your periods to return or until your postnatal check-up before you use contraception.

Remember to talk with your midwife, obstetrician, or healthcare professional about your contraception options. They can help you choose the best method for your birth plan.

Contraceptive methods that can be started after childbirth

Progestogen-only contraception and a few others can be safely started at any time after having your baby, these include:

• Contraceptive implant
• Hormonal Intrauterine Device (LNG-IUD) "Coil"
• Non-hormonal copper Intrauterine Device (copper IUD)
• Contraceptive injection
• Progestogen Only Pill (POP)
• Female sterilisation (tubal occlusion)
• Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
• Condoms

We know that women who use intrauterine methods (hormone LNG-IUD and copper IUD) and implants are four times less likely to have an unplanned pregnancy than women who use other methods.

If you are certain that you never want another pregnancy, then you may want to consider sterilisation. It is important you discuss this with your healthcare professional early in your pregnancy.

Emergency contraception

If you have unprotected sex in the first 3 weeks (21 days)  after having your baby, you will not need emergency contraception.

If you have sex after the first 21 days without using reliable contraception, then you could get pregnant. Please discuss with your GP/pharmacist or sexual and reproductive healthcare clinic.

Contraceptive methods that have a delayed start after childbirth

There are some restrictions on the use  of Combined Hormonal Contraception (CHC)  by women in the weeks after childbirth due to increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE/blood clot) in this period, and if you are breastfeeding or developed certain medical conditions after childbirth you will need to wait at least 6 weeks before you can use:

• Combined Oral Contraceptive pills (COC)
• Combined contraceptive Vaginal Ring (CVR)
• Combined transdermal patches (patch)

Your clinician will assess your medical needs in relation to combined hormonal contraception.

You can usually start using the  contraceptive diaphragm or cap 6 weeks after giving birth. If you previously used these before becoming pregnant, it is important you see your GP or contraception clinic after childbirth to make sure it fits correctly. This is because childbirth and other factors, such as gaining or losing weight can mean you need a different size. 

For women who are not breastfeeding and want to use  Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)  meaning using your natural cycle as contraception: this can only be used from 4 weeks after childbirth as this is when ovarian function resumes and fertility signs and/or hormonal changes become clear.

Breastfeeding women should not use FAM as you are unlikely to have sufficient ovarian function to produce obvious fertility signs and/or hormonal changes during the first 6 months after childbirth.