It's possible to become pregnant again very soon after the birth of a baby, even if you're breastfeeding and even if your periods haven't returned.
You ovulate (release an egg) about two weeks before your period arrives, so your fertility may have returned before you realise it.
It's important to sort out contraception from the start. If you had your baby in hospital, you will probably have discussed contraception with a family planning advisor before being discharged home.
You'll also be asked about contraception at your six week postnatal check, but you can discuss it at any time with your health visitor, midwife, GP or local family planning clinic.
As soon as you're ready
You can use male condoms or female condoms as soon as you feel ready to have sex.
21 days after birth
The combined pill, progestogen-only pill and contraceptive implant can be used from 21 days after the birth. However, the combined pill is not recommended if you are breastfeeding, as it can affect your milk supply.
Around six weeks after birth
You can usually have a contraceptive injection or start using a diaphragm or cap around six weeks after giving birth. If you used a diaphragm or cap before becoming pregnant, see your GP or contraception (family planning) clinic after the birth to ensure that it still fits correctly. This is because childbirth (and other factors such as weight loss or gain) can mean you need a different size.
Six to eight weeks after birth
An intrauterine device (IUD), also known as a 'coil', or intrauterine system (IUS) can usually be fitted six to eight weeks after giving birth.
