Stop the Use of Birth Control to Become Pregnant

The decision to have a baby for most women means stopping the use of birth control. In some cases, stopping means simply that you do nothing to hinder conception; in other cases the decision may mean a visit to your gynecologist. Whatever the method, it is always advised that you talk to your doctor and make sure that you are healthy before you attempt to conceive.

Things You'll Need

• A trashcan

Instructions

1. Throw away any contraceptive creams, foams or suppositories that you may be using. This also includes any condoms that have an expiration date. Over the counter contraceptives will be expired before you will need to use them again.

2. Toss out your diaphragm if you are using one. A new one will have to be fitted after your pregnancy and your baby's birth.

3. Stop taking birth control pills at the end of the current cycle. This will allow your body to begin normalizing during your period and get used to the lack of additional hormones. Be prepared to wait at least several months after stopping the pill to become pregnant.

4. See your doctor to have an IUD or other contraceptive implant removed. This can be done as part of a routine pre-pregnancy checkup with your gynecologist.

5. Stop taking the Depo-Provera birth control shot quarterly. Depending on how long you have been on the shot, it may take you up to 1 year to begin ovulating and become pregnant.

Tips & Warnings

• Begin taking folic acid supplements even before you stop birth control and become pregnant. Folic acid has been linked to reducing birth defects. Stay relaxed while waiting to become pregnant. Depending on the birth control method used, conception can happen almost immediately to well over a year after stopping. Read up on natural family planning to learn how to determine when you are most likely to conceive. There are also ovulation kits available at any drug store that can help you determine when the time is right.