How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After Giving Birth?

Ovulation And The First Postpartum Period?

Ovulation must occur for a woman to get pregnant, and regular periods are a sign that a woman has ovulated. As per previous studies it was found that women ovulate for the first time between 45 to 94 days after giving birth, but it may also take longer i.e. up to at least 6 weeks, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

The first postpartum period typically occurs within a few weeks to a few months after childbirth, but this timeline can also vary. Factors such as breastfeeding, hormonal changes, and birth control methods can influence the timing of ovulation and the return of menstruation after childbirth.

Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, although breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and menstruation in some individuals, especially in the early months after childbirth. Some women use breastfeeding as a birth control method. This phenomenon is known as lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). However, it is important to note that breastfeeding is not a reliable form of contraception, particularly as breastfeeding patterns and hormonal changes can vary among individuals.

According to a study, LAM is about 98% effective when people use this method in the first 6 months after the baby is born. After that this method is less reliable.

Therefore, if you wish to avoid pregnancy while breastfeeding, it’s essential to use additional contraceptive methods, such as barrier methods, hormonal contraceptives, or fertility awareness methods.

How Long to Wait to Try for Another Pregnancy?

Experts recommend waiting for at least a year, ideally 18 months, before conceiving again to allow the body to recover fully. Getting pregnant again soon after giving birth, increases the risk of adverse outcome for both, the woman and the baby. According to World Health Organization (WHO), waiting for 24 months before trying for another baby is the safest option. For women who have had any complications or a pregnancy loss or still birth may need to wait longer.