Post-birth contraception

Many unplanned pregnancies happen in the first few months after childbirth. You can get pregnant as early as three weeks after giving birth. Even if you do not plan to have sex immediately after birth, it is better to be prepared.

• Research shows that waiting 12–24 months before your next pregnancy allows your body to recover and provides the best health outcomes for both mother and baby.

From 21 days after giving birth, you are no longer naturally protected from pregnancy. Contraception can be started immediately, safely, even if you are breastfeeding. Importantly, it empowers you to take control of your own fertility and decide when you are ready to have your next child. You can find out more about some of your options on this page.

You can read more about sex and contraception after pregnancy on the NHS UK website.

Talk to us

• You can refer yourself to our maternity contraceptive team for a telephone discussion or face-to-face appointment or talk to your midwife.
• Email us: gloucestershire.postbirthcontraception@nhs.net

Progestogen-Only Pill (Mini Pill)

• Hormonal contraception that prevents ovulation
• Over 99% effective if taken correctly
• Fertility usually returns within 1 month after stopping
• May improve painful or heavy periods and endometriosis

Side Effects

• Changes to periods: lighter, more frequent, or may stop
• Spotting between periods
• Acne, mood swings, weight gain, or changes in libido (uncertain evidence)

Does not protect against STIs.

Contraceptive Injection

• Contains progestogen; stops ovulation
• Effective for 8–13 weeks depending on type (Depo Provera, Sayana Press, Noristerat)
• Fertility may take up to 1 year to return after stopping

Side Effects

• Period changes (may stop or become irregular)
• Weight gain
• Injection site pain, lump or scar
• Possible acne, low sex drive, mood changes, hot flushes, headaches

Contraceptive Implant

• Small rod under the skin of the arm; releases progestogen
• Over 99% effective; lasts 3 years
• Fertility returns immediately after removal

Side Effects

• Changes to periods: lighter, heavier, irregular, or may stop
• Headaches, sore breasts, acne, weight gain, thrush, or bacterial vaginosis

Contraceptive Diaphragm or Cap

• Can be used 6 weeks after birth.
• If you have used this previously, it will need to be reassessed after you have had your baby to ensure that it is the correct size.

Copper Intrauterine Device (Copper IUD)

• T-shaped device releasing copper; prevents sperm from fertilising egg
• Over 99% effective; lasts 5–10 years
• Safe for breastfeeding

Advantages

• No hormonal side effects
• Fertility returns immediately after removal

Disadvantages

• Periods may be heavier or more painful initially
• Small risk of infection or expulsion
• Does not protect against STIs

If you are having a caesarean birth, this can be fitted at the same time, providing immediate contraception. It is recommended that you have a follow-up for thread check and placement confirmation.

Hormonal Intrauterine Device (LNG-IUD / Coil)

Inserted in the womb; releases progestogen

• Over 99% effective; lasts 5 years
• Can be inserted within 48 hours post-birth, 4–6 weeks later, or during a planned caesarean
• Suitable for breastfeeding

Advantages

• Reduces or stops periods
• Fertility returns quickly after removal
• Not affected by other medications

Disadvantages

• Irregular bleeding or no periods initially
• Small risk of infection, expulsion, or ovarian cysts
• Does not protect against STIs

If you are having a caesarean birth, this can be fitted at the same time, providing immediate contraception. It is recommended that you have a follow-up for thread check and placement confirmation.

Female Sterilisation (Tubal Occlusion)

Advantages

• Permanent contraception; fallopian tubes blocked or sealed
• Over 99% effective
• Can be done during caesarean

Disadvantages

• Permanent; reversal is difficult and not always available
• Small risk of complications, infection or ectopic pregnancy
• Does not protect against STIs

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)

If you are exclusively breastfeeding, you may experience Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), which can delay your periods from returning for the first 6 months after birth; however, this may not prevent ovulation or pregnancy. 

LAM can be up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy if all of the following conditions apply:  

• You are fully breastfeeding – this means you are not giving your baby any other liquid or solid food 
• You are breastfeeding at least every 4 hours during the day and at least every 6 hours during the night 
• Your baby is less than six months old   
• You have no periods

The risk of pregnancy increases if:  

• You start breastfeeding less often, especially if there are long intervals between feeds – both day and night
• You stop night feeds 
• You give any artificial supplements  

Once your baby is over six months old, the risk of getting pregnant increases, so even if you don’t have periods and are fully breastfeeding, you should use another contraceptive method.

Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)

Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) means using your natural cycle as contraception.

• For non-breastfeeding women, 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.
• Not suitable for breastfeeding women due to inconsistent fertility signs

Condoms

Male Condom

• Barrier method worn on the penis
• 98% effective if used correctly

Female Condom

• Barrier method worn inside the vagina
• 95% effective if used correctly

Condoms also reduce the risk of STIs.

Emergency Contraception

• If you have unprotected sex in the first 3 weeks after having your baby, you will not need emergency contraception.
• If you have sex after the first 3 weeks without using reliable contraception, then you could get pregnant. Contact a GP, pharmacist, or sexual health clinic.

Combined Hormonal Contraception (CHC)

Includes pills, patches and vaginal rings

• Start at least 6 weeks after your baby is born due to an increased risk of blood clots
• Assessment is needed if you are breastfeeding or have certain medical conditions - please contact your GP for advice