Birth control
Did you know you can get pregnant soon after you have a baby if you have sex without using reliable birth control? Some women can get pregnant before they get their period and while breastfeeding.
Consider IUDs or implants as birth control options after you have your baby, if you’re not ready for another pregnancy.
What are the IUD and implant?
An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small device that is placed in the uterus. It may be made of copper or use hormones to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. An implant is a small rod inserted into your arm just under the skin. It releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Are the IUD and implant safe to use after childbirth?
The IUD and Nexplanon implant are both very safe to use while breastfeeding and are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. They each last several years but can be removed any time you choose. Using an IUD or implant does not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Do the IUD and implant interfere with breastfeeding?
No. Many studies have shown that women who use birth control breastfeed as often, as much, and for just as long as women who do not. Studies have also shown that there is no decrease in a breastfed baby’s weight in women who use birth control compared to women who do not.
Frequently asked questions: IUDs
Can I get an IUD right after having my baby?
Most women can safely get an IUD right after giving birth, but women who have an infection or serious bleeding should not. For many women, it is a convenient time to get an IUD without any extra visits or procedures. It can be placed right after a vaginal birth or at the time of a cesarean birth.
Many times, an epidural helps with any discomfort from the IUD insertion. The IUD strings will extend into the vagina and are often trimmed at the postpartum visit. Do not pull or trim the strings yourself. You may schedule an office visit sooner to have the strings trimmed.
What are some of the possible side effects of using an IUD?
Many women can have changes in their bleeding patterns. Women who use the hormonal IUD often have more frequent spotting and bleeding in the first few months, but over time have less bleeding and shorter periods. For some women, periods and cramps stop altogether.
What are the risks of using an IUD right after childbirth?
In a small number of women, the IUD may come out of the uterus and fall out of the vagina. This risk is higher when placed right after childbirth. This is not harmful, but if the IUD has come out, it will not prevent pregnancy. If this happens, you should use another method of birth control. A new IUD can be placed at your postpartum visit.
Frequently asked questions: Implants
Can I get an implant right after having my baby?
Yes. The implant can be inserted just under the skin in your arm while you are still in the delivery room or in the days after giving birth before you go home.
Your doctor or midwife will numb a small area on the inside of your upper arm and place the implant just under the skin. This takes only a few minutes. Getting an implant before you go home also means you will not need to have the implant placed at a separate office visit.
What are some of the possible side effects of using an implant?
Like the IUD, the implant can cause changes in menstrual bleeding. For some women, the bleeding during periods may vary each month. For others, periods happen less often and can stop completely. Some women have more frequent periods that can last longer. These bleeding changes usually resolve after a few months.
What are the risks of using an implant after childbirth?
Rarely, when the implant is being inserted into the arm, there can be pain, bleeding, bruising, or infection, or it can be inserted too deeply.
If you have more questions or are interested in an implant or IUD, talk to your doctor.
Call the Health Line 24/7
If you have problems such as fever, pain, bleeding, depression, or general postpartum questions, contact us right away. Advice nurses are available by phone 24 hours a day at 404-365-0966.
Focus on nesting
Having a baby is a healthy, normal event in life. Your goal for the weeks after you deliver is to NEST. The best place to nest is often in the comfort of your own home.
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