MYTH:
You can't get pregnant again for the first few months after giving birth.
FACT:
You can pregnant as soon as you ovulate (which is when you have a period). However, this is NOT a good way to predict when you'll need contraception.
To avoid pregnancy soon after birth:
- Avoid sexual intercourse for at least six weeks after giving birth. This will also allow your uterus and vaginal tissues to heal, and reduce the risk of infection.
- Discuss contraception with your midwife before you leave the hospital, speak to your health visitor, or give us a call and we can put you in the right direction for finding the contraception which suits you best.
- Do NOT depend on breastfeeding for contraception. This is not an effective contraceptive and you can still ovulate and conceive at any time.
- Use condoms until you decide on a longer term form of contraception if you're going to have sex and you don't want to get pregnant again straight away. Plus, condoms will help to protect you from STIs and STDs.
Bottom Line: You can get pregnant without ever having another period after you've had a baby, so think first before having sex.