How to Become Pregnant After the Pill
Birth control pills regulate the hormones of the reproductive cycle in order to prevent pregnancy. Progestins thicken cervical mucus, creating a physical barrier so that sperm cannot enter the cervix. Estrogen suppresses ovulation and thins the uterine lining, creating an unsuitable environment for an egg to implant. After stopping hormonal birth control pills, it may take several months for cycles to return to normal. Once ovulation has been reestablished, it is possible to time intercourse in order to have the best chances of becoming pregnant.
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Things You'll Need
- Prenatal vitamins
- Ovulation kit, fertility monitor or basal body thermometer
Instructions
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Start taking a prenatal vitamin supplement. These are available over-the-counter or by a doctor's prescription. Taking a supplement before conceiving helps ensure that the body is ready to support an embryo.
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2
Begin eating a balanced diet. This step helps the body prepare for pregnancy, maintain a healthy weight and ensure a good intake of essential nutrients. The March Of Dimes outlines a healthy pregnancy diet as six 1-oz. servings of whole grains, 2 to 3 cups of vegetables, 1 to 2 cups of fruits, 3 cups of dairy, and 5 to 6 oz. of protein per day.
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Visit your doctor for a physical exam. This may include bloodwork in order to examine hormone levels during various points of the menstrual cycle. This is especially important if your cycles have not returned to normal after stopping the pill, which can be a sign of other issues such as insulin resistance.
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Determine when ovulation is occurring. This can be done by using an ovulation predictor kit or fertility monitor, tracking natural signs such as your cervical mucus and cervical position, and charting your basal body temperature.
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Time your intercourse to ovulation. A woman is fertile on the day that she ovulates. According to the American Pregnancy Organization, she is also fertile for up to three days before and for 24 hours after ovulation. Having intercourse on those days gives the best chances of conception.
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