Sex, contraception and your periods after birth

Fertility can return sooner than you’d expect after having a baby, even if you’re breastfeeding. Here’s the NHS guidance on contraception, sex and periods.

When can I get pregnant again?

The NHS says you can get pregnant from 3 weeks (21 days) after the birth, even if you’re breastfeeding and your periods haven’t returned. It also says waiting at least 12 months before becoming pregnant again is usually recommended, because an earlier pregnancy may raise the risk of problems such as low birth weight.

Contraception: what and when

Straight after birth: implant, injection, progestogen-only pill, condoms, internal (female) condoms, and IUD or IUS. If an IUD or IUS isn’t fitted within 48 hours of the birth, wait until 4 weeks.
3 weeks after birth: the combined pill, vaginal ring or patch, if you’re not breastfeeding and don’t have a blood clot risk. If you’re breastfeeding, wait at least 6 weeks.
About 6 weeks after birth: diaphragm or cap. If you used one before pregnancy, get it checked, as you may need a new size.

Ask your midwife, GP or a sexual health clinic what suits you.

Breastfeeding and the lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM)

The NHS says LAM only works if all of these apply: you’re exclusively breastfeeding with only breast milk, your baby is under 6 months, and your periods haven’t returned. Use another method if your baby is over 6 months, has anything other than breast milk (such as formula, a dummy or solids), your periods start again (including light spotting), you stop night feeds, you feed less often, or there are longer gaps between feeds. The NHS also says expressing milk may make LAM less effective.

When do periods come back?

The NHS says to start a different contraceptive method once your periods return, including light spotting. See bleeding after birth for what’s normal beforehand.

If you’ve had sex without contraception

If you have had sex without contraception, ask a pharmacist, sexual health clinic or GP about emergency contraception.

Sex after birth

The NHS says there’s no set time to restart sex, and you’ll likely feel sore and tired, so don’t rush. If it’s painful, a personal lubricant from a pharmacy can help. Hormone changes can make the vagina drier. If pain continues, speak to your GP at your postnatal check. If you had stitches, see looking after your stitches.

Questions people ask

Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Yes. The NHS says you can get pregnant from 3 weeks after the birth, even if you’re breastfeeding.

Is breastfeeding a reliable contraceptive?

Only if all the LAM conditions apply, and only for the first 6 months. The NHS says to use another method as soon as any of them stops applying.

When should I speak to someone about contraception?

You can talk to your midwife, GP or a sexual health clinic at any time, and contraception is also discussed at the 6 to 8 week postnatal check.