Planning a Pregnancy
Deciding to have a baby is an exciting time, although it be scary too. Your chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy and baby are better if you and your partner are as fit and healthy as possible.
What you eat, how much you exercise and whether you smoke or drink alcohol are all important factors to look at once you have decided to try for a baby. If you are concerned about your sexual health, you can have checks to make sure you don’t have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Your doctor, nurse or midwife will be able to advise you on pre-pregnancy and pregnancy healthcare.
To find out more about lifestyle choices and planning a pregnancy visit the FPA website.
Sex and contraception after the birth
Thinking about contraception before you have your baby may sound strange but it is something you need to consider so you can space your pregnancies or arrange long term contraception.
It is possible to become pregnant again soon after childbirth so thinking ahead and having a contraception plan in place is a good idea.
Long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy as you don’t need to remember to take or use them and they can be taken out or stopped at any time. LARCs include the IUD (copper coil) and IUS (hormone coil); these can be fitted within 48 hours of delivery or if not fitted by then, you are advised to wait for 4 weeks after delivery.
The contraceptive implant and injection are also LARCs. The implant can be fitted immediately after having your baby and this lasts for three years, or you could have the injection straight away but remember - you need to have the injection every 13 weeks.
Please remember that LARCs will protect you against pregnancy but not against STIs so use condoms to help protect yourself.
Ask your midwife or contact our information and booking line for more information. For further advice and information visit the NHS website.
For more information, you can also visit the After A Baby: Your Health and Wellbeing guide from the Family Planning Association.