How Soon Can One Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control Pills?
The use of birth control pills may delay some women's ability to become pregnant. Others may accidentally become pregnant while using oral contraceptives. It is helpful to understand how birth control pills may affect you as you prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
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Time Frame
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The ability to become pregnant soon after stopping birth control pills varies significantly among women. Because birth control pills stop your ovulation cycle, it might take several months for your body to return to a normal cycle, allowing you to conceive. It's also possible that you might conceive immediately after stopping birth control pills.
Doctors recommend waiting two or three months after stopping birth control pills before trying to become pregnant. This allows your body to return to its natural ovulation cycle so you and your doctor can more easily track your pregnancy and determine your due date.
Alternative Birth Control
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To prevent a pregnancy during the waiting period after you stop taking birth control pills, use a condom or diaphragm. The pregnancy guide "What to Expect When You're Expecting" recommends discontinuing the use of spermicide four to six weeks before trying to conceive.
Other Preparations
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Pregnancy planning should include more than just eliminating birth control pills. The Office of Women's Health suggest you start preparing for pregnancy by taking a daily prenatal vitamin; getting any existing health conditions under control; avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol, drugs or toxic chemicals; and talking to your doctor about any medicine you may be using and how it could affect a potential pregnancy.
Difficulty Conceiving
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Don't become concerned if several months pass after you stop taking oral contraceptives and you don't become pregnant. It is normal for couples to take several months to conceive. It may take several months before your body is able to ovulate. The pregnancy guide "What to Expect When You're Expecting" recommends consulting your doctor if you are unsuccessful after a year of trying to conceive. A doctor can evaluate your health and help you determine if fertility treatments may be necessary.
Concerns
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If you became pregnant while taking oral contraceptives or just after you stop, there is little chance of any harm to your baby. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is little evidence that babies suffered negative side effects when their mothers became pregnant while taking birth control pills. However, you should stop taking oral contraceptives as soon as you find out you are pregnant.
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