When to Start Contraception After Birth? All the Available Options

Q: Are you more fertile after having a baby?

There’s no scientific evidence showing that you are more fertile after having a baby. Fertility can return quickly after birth, sometimes before your first period. This is why contraception after birth is important.

Q: When is it no longer considered postpartum?

The postpartum period typically lasts around 6 weeks, but your body may take several months to fully recover.

In this guide

When to Start Contraception After Birth? All the Available Options

After having a baby, your body begins to recover, but your fertility can return sooner than expected.

Many women assume they’re protected from pregnancy shortly after giving birth, but that’s not always the case.

Understanding your options for contraception after birth can help you feel more confident, in control, and ready to plan what comes next.

At a Glance

You can start contraception immediately after birth or within a few weeks, depending on the method.
Fertility can return as early as 3 weeks postpartum, even before your first period.
There are several options available, including long-acting, hormonal and non-hormonal methods, many of which are safe while breastfeeding.
Emergency contraception is available after the first 3 weeks postpartum if needed.
Take your time with intimacy — there’s no fixed timeline for sex after birth, and comfort and readiness matter most.

When Can I Start Contraception After Birth?

You should start using contraception 3 weeks after giving birth if you don’t want to get pregnant again.

If you’re not breastfeeding, ovulation can happen from around day 21, meaning pregnancy is possible before your first period. If you are breastfeeding, fertility may be delayed, but it’s not guaranteed.

Research has shown that it’s ideal to leave 12-24 months before getting pregnant again, in order to allow your body to recover fully.

A GP, health visitor, or sexual health clinic can help you decide what’s safe and suitable. You can also read more about timing in our guide on when to start the contraceptive pill!

What Are My Contraception Options After Giving Birth?

There are several safe and effective contraception options after pregnancy. Let’s explore them together:

1. Contraceptive Implant

Key considerations	What you need to know
When can I start?	Immediately after birth or anytime afterwards
What is it?	A small, flexible rod placed under the skin of your arm
How does it work?	Releases progestogen to stop ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to block sperm
Pros	Over 99% effective Lasts for up to 3 years Safe during breastfeeding Can be removed at any time Can be inserted before you leave the hospital
Cons	Irregular bleeding Requires minor procedure Risk of migration of the implant

2. Hormonal IUD (Coil)

Key considerations	What you need to know
When can I start?	Within 48 hours after birth or after 4 weeks
What is it?	A small, T-shaped device placed inside the womb
How does it work?	Releases progestogen to prevent fertilisation and may stop implantation
Pros	Long-term protection (at least 5 years) Over 99% effective Low maintenance May reduce heavy or painful periods Can be inserted before you leave the hospital
Cons	Requires insertion by a trained professional Irregular or no periods Small risk of infection after insertion Small risk of your body expelling it

3. Contraceptive Injection

Key considerations	What you need to know
When can I start?	Immediately after giving birth
What is it?	An injection that releases progestogen into your body
How does it work?	Prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus
Pros	Over 99% effective Each injection lasts for 8-13 weeks Can reduce heavy or painful periods Can be given before you leave the hospital
Cons	May cause weight gain Requires clinic visits Delay in fertility returning (up to 1 year) Cannot be removed once given

4. Progestogen-Only Pill (Mini Pill)

Key considerations	What you need to know
When can I start?	Immediately after birth
What is it?	A daily hormonal pill containing progestogen
How does it work?	Prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus
Pros	Over 99% effective Safe during breastfeeding Safe for women who can’t take oestrogen Easy to stop
Cons	Must be taken at the same time every day Less forgiving if missed May cause irregular bleeding

5. LAM (Lactational Amenorrhoea Method)

Key considerations	What you need to know
When can I start?	Up to 6 months postpartum (if fully breastfeeding)
What is it?	A natural contraception method based on breastfeeding
How does it work?	Frequent or exclusive breastfeeding increases prolactin levels, which helps prevent ovulation
Pros	Over 99% effective No hormones No cost
Cons	Less reliable over time Strict criteria have to be met
When is it effective?	Baby is under 6 months old You are exclusively or nearly exclusively breastfeeding No long intervals between feeds (no more than 4 hours during the day or 6 hours at night) Your periods have not returned

6. Condom (Non-Hormonal Method)

Key considerations	What you need to know
When can I start?	Anytime you feel ready to have sex
What is it?	A barrier method used during sex
How does it work?	Prevents sperm from reaching the egg
Pros	No hormones Protects against STIs Easy to use
Cons	Must be used every time Lower effectiveness than long-acting methods

Can I Have Emergency Contraception After Birth?

Yes, you can. However, you don’t need emergency contraception if you have unprotected sex in the first 3 weeks after giving birth.

After the first 3 weeks, you should use emergency contraception if you don’t want to have another baby.

There are two main types:

Emergency contraceptive pills (e.g., Levonorgestrel or Ulipristal acetate)
Copper IUD (most effective option)

For more details, read our guide on emergency contraception.

How Long After Birth Can I Have Sex?

There’s no fixed rule. You can have sex as soon as you and your partner feel ready to.

Many healthcare professionals recommend waiting until:

Bleeding (lochia) has stopped
Any tears or stitches have healed
You feel comfortable and any pain or discomfort has settled

This is often around 4–6 weeks, but it can vary.

Getting Back to Intimacy After Birth: Practical Tips

Getting back to intimacy after birth can feel different, both physically and emotionally.

Taking things at your own pace and knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident. Here are some practical tips to support you:

Take things slowly and communicate openly with your partner. For example, if penetration hurts, say so.
Use lubrication if needed, as dryness is common after birth.
Choose a comfortable position to reduce pressure or discomfort.
Don’t rush; emotional readiness is just as important as physical recovery.
Seek advice if you experience pain or discomfort.
If you don’t feel ready to have sex, don’t rush it. Focus on other ways to stay close, such as spending quality time together or showing affection in different ways.

Contraception After Birth — Summary

Contraception after birth is an important part of your recovery and future planning. With so many options available, finding the right method can feel overwhelming, but support is available.

If you’re considering starting contraception, you can complete an online contraceptive assessment to receive personalised, pharmacist-led advice and access treatment safely and conveniently!

FAQs

Are you more fertile after having a baby?
When is it no longer considered postpartum?

Are you more fertile after having a baby?

There’s no scientific evidence showing that you are more fertile after having a baby. Fertility can return quickly after birth, sometimes before your first period. This is why contraception after birth is important.

When is it no longer considered postpartum?

The postpartum period typically lasts around 6 weeks, but your body may take several months to fully recover.

Published 16th June 2026 by

Allan Green

Registered Pharmacist & Head of E-commerce

Allan has been a Registered Pharmacist for 25+ years

He specializes in Ecommerce and Over the Counter medicines.

He is a Registered Pharmacist, who studied at University of Bradford.

He has been with Weldricks since 2006, starting as a branch manager before moving into area management and deputy superintendent roles.

His current responsibilities include web development, marketing, content, customer service and web operations teams.

GPhC Registration: 2049602