There are many very effective and safe methods of contraception that are ideal for people who have just had a baby and want to space their pregnancies or have long term contraception. Many can also be used while breastfeeding.

Your midwife will discuss contraception with you during one of your antenatal visits. Staff in the hospital, or community, will make sure you can get your chosen method easily and quickly, to allow you to start it as soon as you have your baby.

The need for contraception returns again as soon as 3 weeks after your baby is born, so ideally starting the sooner the better is best.

If you have had a form of intrauterine contraception after having a baby you need to have a check-up at around 4-6 weeks to make sure the coil threads can be seen, and to trim them if needed. There may be a slightly higher chance of the coil becoming expelled as your womb returns to its non-pregnant size. Most women will be aware if this happens.

If you would like to speak to someone before booking an appointment please call us 0141 211 8130.

Starting Contraception After Having a Baby in Community Languages

Starting Contraception after Having a Baby in Community Languages

Starting Contraception After Having A Baby - helping you choose the method of contraception that’s best for you.

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Advice following intrauterine contraception at the time of birth

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Advice following insertion of a contraception implant

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Your contraception options after having a baby

If you did not get contraception before leaving hospital and you would now like to come to Sandyford to discuss your options, please make an appointment online or call us. Please avoid unprotected sexual intercourse during this time.

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Intrauterine contraception fitting at the time of birth

What will happen now?

In the first 24 hours after intrauterine contraception ‘coil’ fitting you may experience mild, cramping abdominal (tummy) pain. Paracetamol or ibuprofen should relieve the pain.

During the first 4-6 weeks, there is a slight risk of infection. Signs to look out for include:

Pain that does not go away after taking your required dosage of paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Fever or feeling generally unwell
Heavy bleeding or a vaginal discharge which may have a smell.

Do I need an appointment to check everything is OK with my intrauterine contraception ‘coil’?

Your details will be passed onto the team at Sandyford, who will contact you to arrange a short check-up appointment. Most clinics have lift access. If you need any extra assistance, please let us know. We will arrange an NHS interpreter if needed.

What will happen at my intrauterine contraception check-up appointment?

After checking in at reception, you will be called into the clinic by a doctor or nurse. They will perform a vaginal speculum examination (this is a plastic instrument which is inserted to see your cervix) to check the coil threads.
We are aware you may feel tender after having a baby. If you have a particular concern, please let us know.
If the threads cannot be seen, you will need an ultrasound scan to check that the coil is still inside the womb.
If you need to come back for a scan appointment, you will be provided with alternative contraception.
You are welcome to breast feed at the clinic. If you wish a private space, please let any of the team know and we will help.
Most clinics have lift access. If you need any extra assistance, please let us know.
We will arrange an NHS interpreter if needed.

I’ve been told I need a scan - what will happen at that appointment?

This will be carried out at Sandyford Central.

You will have an ultrasound scan, which is often an internal vaginal scan. This gives us a clearer view of the womb and coil.
Occasionally we find that the coil has fallen out or moved position. There may be a slightly higher chance of this happening after having a baby as your womb returns to its non-pregnant size. Most women would be aware if this had happened.
If we think the coil has expelled, we may be able to fit another coil if needed.
As you may be having a procedure and some people may feel a little faint or unwell we ask that if you need to bring children with you that someone is able to look after them. We are unable to provide any childcare.

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What to expect at Sandyford

All the information you need about your visit to Sandyford. Before, during and after the appointment.

What To Expect at Sandyford

Contraception after having a baby