Fertility & Pregnancy Tools
Pregnancy & Fertility
Preconception & Pregnancy Resources
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I'm thinking about getting pregnant soon, when should I stop my birth control? |
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If you are using a condom or a diaphragm, there's no lag time, and you can start
trying right away (as long as you have been taking a vitamin with folic acid
for three months preconceptually !).
If you are using an IUD (intrauterine device), once your Ob/Gyn removes
the device (a ten second endeavor) you can try to get pregnant right after the next period.
If you are on a birth control pill, finish out the pack and get a period, then just
don't restart your pills and contracept that month until you get
another period (just so we can better date the pregnancy having
had a real period off the pill - not because we are worried about problems
if you do happen to get pregnant that cycle), then you can start trying right after that period.
Patients always ask if you have to be off of your pill for three to six months
before you try to get pregnant (oldtime advice) - you do not.
Even patients who accidentally become pregnant on the pill and don't realize
it and keep taking it do not have a significantly increased risk of birth
defects and we don't counsel them to terminate the pregnancy.
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Wendy Fried, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is an OB/Gyn with Northern Obstetrics and Gynecology, PC in North Hills, New York
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Only your own physician knows all the important details of your specific medical and personal history and should be the only one to give you advice regarding your own medical care. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice or treatment because of something you have read herein. If you have any questions whatsoever about your medical health or believe you have a medical problem or disease, you should contact your medical doctor or healthcare provider. |
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