How Soon After Giving Birth Can You Get Pregnant?

While you might not consciously think about it most of the time, the question has probably popped up in your head at least once, “How soon after giving birth can you get pregnant?” Well, actually, the answer to that question is a bit complicated. To find out the answer, we need to consider a few things.

How soon after giving birth can you get pregnant?

First, let’s get things straight. To answer the question of, “how soon after giving birth can you get pregnant,” you can get pregnant as early as three weeks after giving birth. While getting pregnant is entirely possible, there are some conditions that might lower your chances.

One of these conditions is called, lactational amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is just a scientific term that describes the absence of menstruation. During the first few weeks after giving birth, you are unlikely to menstruate. By that, it also means that ovulation is also unlikely.

Unfortunately, there’s no telling when your next menstruation cycle will come (so using this as a method of birth control might be unreliable.) Note that a woman may get pregnant postpartum even without resumption of menstruation. Exclusively breastfeeding during postpartum period will likely extend the duration where you will not be ovulating; hence, it is a possible means of family planning.

What happens during lactational amenorrhea?

Lactational amenorrhea, or LAM for short, is the process where exclusively breastfeeding delays the coming of your next ovulation.

When you breastfeed, you release certain hormones. During breastfeeding, your baby stimulates your body to trigger the release of these hormones. These hormones tell your body to suppress and delay the hormone that is responsible for ovulation. If you don’t ovulate, you don’t get pregnant. When done properly, LAM can be an effective method for birth control and family planning until your baby reaches 6 months.

There is an important point that you have to remember! LAM will only work if you breastfeed exclusively. The interval should be less than 4–6 hours between breastfeeds. This means that if you include formulas or other milk into the equation, this lessens the chances of it being effective. That’s because the hormones need to be released at a consistent time frame. Adding formula milk might jeopardize this.

In addition, you need to make sure that your baby breastfeeds directly. The breast pump cannot stimulate your body the same way latching can. 

Take note that LAM may become unreliable when you these things occur:

• Your baby is older than 6 months
• Your baby is on formula or is eating solids
• You start having periods again
• You stop night feeding
• Longer intervals between feeding

Is it safe to get pregnant after giving birth?

You can get pregnant as early as three weeks after giving birth. Putting everything in consideration, while it is totally possible to get pregnant, a few things need to be taken into consideration. Pregnancy can take a huge toll, mentally, emotionally, psychologically and physically. On top of that, it might be difficult to juggle a second pregnancy, while also having to care for your newborn. This is where family planning comes into play.

When’s a good time to have your next child? 

The answer to this question is a bit tricky. It totally is up to you. No one else can decide this for you. However, there are some factors that you need to take into consideration. 

If you have a partner, you need to take into consideration his or her plans as well. Having another child is an incredibly demanding task and it needs to be planned well by the both of you. When it comes to your future plans, does having another child align with what you want?

There are also physiological considerations involved. The body hasn’t really recovered from giving birth until 18-23 months after pregnancy. There is a good reason to wait before having another child whether you delivered vaginally or by cesarean section (more so if you had cesarean delivery!). It can give you time to recuperate and prepare your body for the rigors of another pregnancy. 

Family planning tips

Here are some tips for when you should have another child. 

Communicate

If you have a partner, you should communicate with him or her about your plans for the future. This makes sure that both of you are on the same page.

Financial planning

Raising a child needs financial commitment. You should carefully consider if you can provide a life that meets all the basic needs of all members of the family. 

Artificial contraceptives

Artificial contraceptives can be an effective way to prevent pregnancy. Consult with your doctor to find out which option or what form of contraceptive might be the most suited for you.

Natural Family Planning

If you are considering an alternative to artificial contraceptives, then you might want to consider natural family planning. It involves many methods like the one we discussed above (LAM.) Talk to your doctor to find out the most suitable natural family planning method for you. 

Key Takeaway

How soon after giving birth can you get pregnant? You can get pregnant a few weeks after giving birth. However, it is best to space out properly the interval between pregnancy and birth. In general, at least 18 months, or roughly 2 years, would be the best time for ample recovery of the body.

Consult your doctor for any concerns.

Learn more about Getting Pregnant here.