Getting Pregnant After The Birth Control Pill: What You Need To Know
If you're currently on a hormonal birth control pill but would like to get pregnant in the near future, you may want to schedule an appointment with your OBGYN to talk about going off the pill. He or she will be able to give you specific guidance based on your medical history and other factors. However, there are some things all women should be aware of when going off the pill in hopes of getting pregnant.
You Might Not have Regular Cycles for Awhile
Your birth control pill contains hormones that your body usually produces on its own, so when you stop taking the pill, it can take your body some time to adjust and begin producing those hormones again. For this reason, it is not uncommon for women who go off the pill to have irregular cycles in the months (or even years) after stopping hormonal birth control. You will be more prone to having irregular cycles if your cycles were irregular before you started taking the pill, but it can happen to anyone.
Generally, if your cycles don't regulate within a few months or if you don't get a period at all after going off the pill, you should see your OBGYN; he or she may be able to write a prescription for a medication known as Provera, which can induce your period and help regulate your cycles.
You Can Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins Right Away
As soon as you stop taking your hormonal birth control pill, it's not a bad idea to begin taking prenatal vitamins. Specifically, look for a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid. Taking a prenatal before you conceive can help your body prepare for pregnancy. If you already take a daily multi-vitamin, keep in mind that most prenatals double as multi-vitamins, so you'll want to stop taking your existing daily vitamin once you begin prenatals.
You Don't Have to Wait to Try to Conceive
It is perfectly healthy and fine if you want to try to conceive as soon as you go off the pill, though some women prefer to wait a few months to better track their ovulation cycles. Still, there are no medical risks (to you or the baby) if you get pregnant immediately after you go off of the pill.
Going off the pill in preparation to start a family can be an exciting time, and by keeping this information in mind, you'll be better prepared. Clinics like Healthcare for Women Only can help you with your questions.
