What Is Considered a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Being pregnant means a lot of changes in your body over a nine month period. It always comes with some level of risk but when does a pregnancy become high risk, and what can be done about it?
How Soon Should I Start Birth Control After Having a Baby?
During the postpartum period, you and your baby get to bond and grow, while you heal and get back into a normal rhythm in your life. After having a baby, an important question to ask yourself is whether you want to have another baby right away (if at all) or if you want time to savor this moment with your family.
This is when birth control becomes an option but how soon after pregnancy is it safe to even consider? Here we explain the timeline for ovulation after pregnancy and when birth control becomes a viable option.
Residents of the Las Vegas, Nevada area looking for tips for postpartum care and birth control options can find help with Dr. Staci McHale and her experienced team at the newly named WHASN Sunset Valley.
How does the body change after pregnancy?
Within the first few weeks after delivery, some things depend on whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, but there is usually pain with both as the uterus shrinks back to its natural size over time. Soreness in the perineum (space between the vagina and anus) is to be expected, and little contractions may occur as the uterus is getting smaller.
By the end of the second month, the uterus should be back to its normal size, and sex is often okay to resume, but that varies from person to person. The body had mostly healed from the pregnancy, though there might still be itching in any incisions for C-sections, and feeling overwhelmed or exhausted is not unusual.
When does ovulation start after pregnancy?
There is no fixed timeline for ovulation to resume after delivering your baby, but studies indicate you may start between 45-94 days (about a month and a half to three months). Many don’t start until after a month and a half, but it can happen sooner.
In fact, you may ovulate before you have your first period after having your child. Breasting usually prevents ovulation, but it’s not a guarantee.
Even if you do start ovulating within the normal timeframe, it is often safe to wait longer to have another child, between 18 to 24 months after to give your body time to heal and avoid complications.
How soon is it safe to start contraception?
Any type of birth control should be safe after delivery, but when you start using it depends on various factors. Some forms of contraception like condoms, can be used right away, and most forms are usable overall but not right away. Here are some guidelines:
Hormonal contraceptives
Any type that uses estrogen for birth control can adversely affect breastfeeding, in which case you should want to wait at least a month to a month and a half before using them.
Barrier contraceptives
Cervical caps, diaphragms, and vaginal rings may not be the best option right away, so waiting six weeks gives things time to get back to their normal size. Refitting may also be necessary.
Breastfeeding
This usually keeps your body from ovulating, which keeps you from getting pregnant. It’s most effective when your baby is breastfeeding exclusively, and is less effective when using a pump or bottle feeding as well. It also only works within your baby’s first six months.
You should also consider how often you need to change pills, patches, and rings and how soon you want another child if you’re using IUDs or other implant devices. Permanent forms of birth control like tubal ligation are also an option, but we need to consult with you on when it would be safest to do.
Deciding what contraception to use after giving birth is important, and if you need help navigating it and when to resume sex make an appointment with Dr. McHale and WHASN Sunset Valley.
You Might Also Enjoy...
What Happens if I Don't Pass My Pregnancy Glucose Screening?
Diabetes has three forms that affect millions of people, and while type 2 is the most common, the gestational type is a risk for millions of pregnant women. Find out what happens if your glucose screenings confirm this illness.
Why Am I Suddenly Experiencing Pain During Sex?
Sex is an intimate part of our lives that shapes a lot of our identity. Problems like pain during sex can make expressing this awkward and difficult. Let’s find out why this happens and what can be done to treat it.
5 Important Questions to Ask at Your Next Well-Woman Exam
Getting your well-woman visit taken care of is an important part of your long-term health. However, to get the most out of this visit, many important questions should be addressed. Let’s look at some.
Staying Active Through the Third Trimester: 5 Safe Prenatal Exercise Options in Late Pregnancy
Pregnancy puts a lot of demands on your body, and physical activity can be difficult, especially during the third trimester. Since it’s essential for you and your child’s health, find out what exercises can help keep you active.
What Every Woman Should Know About Bone Health After Menopause
Menopause is a natural change in women’s bodies as they get older and can increase the risks of many problems, including osteoporosis. Find out more about how this condition affects bones, and how to keep them healthy.