Introduction
The postpartum period is the best time to receive contraceptive services since patients are known not to be pregnant, may be motivated to start using contraception, and physicians are treating them with the necessary training. Understanding a patient's goals for future pregnancies, their preferences for contraceptive alternatives, and the features and benefits of the actual contraceptive techniques themselves are all part of counseling.
Why Is Postpartum Birth Control Recommended?
It is possible for women who do not use birth control to become pregnant relatively quickly after having a child. Using a birth control technique in the weeks following childbirth (the postpartum phase) allows women to avoid unplanned pregnancies and plan their families. Many medical professionals advise waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies before having another child.
How Soon Does Ovulation Start After Having a Baby?
If a woman is not nursing, ovulation may occur within a few weeks following delivery. Ovulation may be delayed in nursing mothers, although it normally returns after around 6 months. Women can conceive again after ovulation. Ovulation normally happens two weeks before the menstrual cycle begins. This implies that women who have not yet had their period can become pregnant.
What Are the Contraception Choices Post Delivery?
The following are the contraception choices post-delivery:
1. Three Weeks After Birth:
Women can begin using the combined pill, vaginal ring, or contraceptive patch if they are not breastfeeding and have no medical conditions that could increase their risk of developing a blood clot in a vein. However, if they are breastfeeding, have certain medical conditions, or are at higher risk of developing blood clots, they will typically be advised to wait at least 6 weeks after giving birth before using the combined pill, ring, or patch.
2. Four Weeks After Birth:
Women who did not have an IUD (intrauterine device) implanted within 48 hours after giving birth can receive one later. However, waiting at least four weeks following the birth is normally recommended.
3. Six Weeks After Birth:
Suppose a woman is nursing or has developed certain medical issues during pregnancy or delivery. In that case, she must wait at least 6 weeks before using the combined pill, vaginal ring, or contraceptive patch. Women can normally begin wearing a diaphragm or cap approximately 6 weeks after having a child.
4. Amenorrhea Due to Lactation:
This is a natural method of contraception. Breastfeeding induces the secretion of the hormone prolactin, which prevents ovulation. Women must be exclusively nursing and have not had a period since giving birth.
5. Intrauterine Device:
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a very efficient, long-acting, yet easily reversible contraceptive. A woman can have an IUD implanted soon after delivery or during her 6-week postpartum checkup. As soon as you resume intercourse, utilize another technique until the IUD is placed.
6. Male Condom:
Male condoms are little coverings that a man wears over his penis. The only birth control method that offers protection from STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). They are 98 percent successful at stopping pregnancies when used properly.
7. Women's Condoms:
Women’s condoms function similarly to male condoms, except the sheath is placed in the vagina. These have a 95 percent success rate in preventing pregnancy.
8. Diaphragm:
Diaphragm is a tiny, reusable cup constructed out of silicone or rubber. To prevent sperm from accessing the uterus, it covers the cervix. The effectiveness of diaphragms in preventing pregnancy ranges from 83 percent to 88 percent.
9. IUD for Hormonal Contraception:
A little, T-shaped IUD is inserted into the uterus by the doctor. There, progestin is secreted at minute levels to prevent conception. Women may use it immediately after giving birth and keep it for three to eight years. Some women decide to have an IUD placed by their doctor as soon as they give birth.
10. Copper IUD:
Like the hormonal IUD, the copper IUD also works. However, it uses tiny quantities of copper to produce an environment in which sperm cannot thrive, as opposed to utilizing progestin. The copper IUD prevents conception with 99 percent success.
11. Tubal Ligation:
A doctor cuts off or removes the fallopian tubes during tubal ligation. The obstructed tubes prevent the sperm and eggs from interacting. Tubal ligation is a permanent procedure. Women can do it immediately after giving birth if they are not planning another pregnancy.
What Are the Possible Risks and Side Effects of Intra-Uterine Devices?
The following are the possible risks and side effects of Intra-uterine devices:
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The intrauterine devices may get detached from the uterus. This occurs in around five out of every 100 IUD users during the first year of usage. When the IUD is placed immediately after birth, it will likely come out of the uterus. Serious consequences of IUD use, such as infection or damage, are uncommon.
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The hormonal IUD may produce spotting and irregular bleeding in the first three to six months of usage. The hormonal IUD frequently stops menstrual bleeding altogether. Headaches, nausea, sadness, and breast soreness are other negative effects.
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During the first few months of usage, the copper IUD may enhance menstrual discomfort and bleeding or induce bleeding between cycles. This normally lessens after a year.
Conclusion
Ovulation can recur as soon as 21 days after delivery in a woman who is not actively nursing. Contraception has traditionally been provided six weeks after birth. This is far from ideal and leads to unneeded abortions or insufficient birth spacing, representing an elevated risk of morbidity for the mother and future infants and expenses for the health care system. Contraception should now be considered during pregnancy so that the method of choice may be administered immediately following pregnancy before hospital release. Long-acting reversible contraception treatments, such as implants and IUDs, are extremely successful since they are user-independent. Large studies have shown that they may be safely implanted throughout the immediate post-partum period without increasing problems. To know more, consult the doctor online.
