So this is it! You’ve decided to start trying for a baby.
So first things first, it’s time to stop using contraception. Whether you’re on the pill, having injections or using an implant or coil, here’s our quick guide to coming off contraception safely.
At a glance
- A bit of planning will help you determine your most fertile dates
- Leave the condoms in the bedside draw
- Start taking folic acid
Stopping condoms or the cap
With some forms of contraception, like condoms or the cap, you just leave them in the drawer and get on with making a baby!
Stopping the pill, injections, implants or the coil
“If you’re stopping other forms of contraception, such as the Pill, contraceptive injection or implants, a tiny bit of planning will help you understand due dates,” says Consultant Obstetrician, Richard Smith.
“If you give yourself at least one proper period before trying to conceive, it will help your doctor or midwife to calculate an accurate due date for you.” And if you get pregnant straight away? Well, that’s truly great news anyway.
Here’s the lowdown on stopping them all safely:
Getting your body ready to conceive
How long it takes you to get pregnant depends on you and the type of contraception you were using. And while you’re waiting, now’s a good time to get your amazing body in a happy, healthy state for conceiving and growing a baby. You can start taking folic acid, and if you need to cut down on alcohol or cigarettes, get cracking with that too.