Becoming a new parent is an exciting and overwhelming experience. Along with caring for your newborn, you may be wondering when it's safe to start trying for another baby. The answer is not straightforward as there are many factors that can affect your fertility after birth. In this article, we'll examine the question of how soon can you get pregnant after birth, and what you need to know about postpartum contraception.
The Postpartum Period
The postpartum period refers to the time after giving birth when your body undergoes physical and hormonal changes in order to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. This period typically lasts six weeks but may be longer or shorter depending on individual circumstances. During this time, your uterus will begin to contract back to its pre-pregnancy size, vaginal bleeding (called lochia) will occur as your body sheds excess blood and tissues from the uterine lining, and hormone levels will fluctuate.
Tip: Don't plan any triathlons during this phase! You've just given life - relax!
Ovulation & Menstruation After Birth
Ovulation is the process by which a mature egg is released from one of your ovaries each month. For most women who are not breastfeeding exclusively, ovulation typically resumes between six weeks and three months after giving birth.
Mums reading out there...we're sorry! We know breastmilk brings immunity but delaying our chances.... ughhhh!
It's important to note that even if you haven't had a menstrual period yet after giving birth, you could still become pregnant if you have unprotected sex as ovulation can occur before menstruation returns.
Breastfeeding & Fertility
Breastfeeding releases hormones that suppress ovulation by mimicking the effects of pregnancy on the body- lower estrogen/progesterone means YOU. DON'T. OVULATE. WHOA! So, even if the postpartum period has ended, breastfeeding may delay ovulation for some women.
Tip: Consider this a win-win situation - looking masterful while keeping your chances of getting pregnant at bay!
It's essential to remember that breastfeeding alone is not an effective form of birth control and you can still get pregnant if you're breastfeeding AND resuming sexual activity.
Body Changes & Fertility
Each body recovers differently, so it's important to pay attention to your physical cues when considering pregnancy after birth.
- Uterus: After giving birth your uterus has been expelling. It takes roughly 6 weeks for the uterus lining tissue shed completely.
- Perineal Tears/Stitches: Depending on how many stitches or tears bottom had, aim goal should regain elasticity first before trying again!
- C-sections: Expected recovery time varies widely depending on whether you suffered any complications from surgery or infection with vagina enough space
- Emotional State : Who can forget that... A happy mind breeds more life in tummies 🙂
Even though there is no magic number as to which ones need healing longer than others; PLEASE don't hold up a sign 'ready for round two'. Listen carefully and respond according to changes happening inside of you 🙂
Birth Control Options
If you're not ready for another baby yet but want sex without consequences (well biological consequences), choosing an appropriate method that works best for YOU will be key 🙂
Here are some options:
1) Condoms (both male and female) 2) IUDs 3) Depo-Provera (injections administered every twelve weeks)
Whether temporary/long-lasting contraceptives are suitable depends solely on personal preference/myths/facts/beliefs regarding what different forms might entail.
Whatever option one chooses protecting oneself against unplanned pregnancy AND STIs should be the priority.
The Bottom Line
Getting pregnant after birth is a personal and often complex decision. While some women may resume fertility quickly, others may want to wait for several months or even years before trying again.
Tip: A little research goes a long way. Speak with your doctor/gynaecologist/ sexual health reseae..
Regardless of when you start thinking about expanding your family again, it's important to use appropriate contraception until then- so enjoy without worries while also working towards future plans amongst many other things going on!