Using the combined pill after giving birth

The right start time depends on how long ago you gave birth, whether you are breastfeeding and your personal clot-risk factors. A clinician can offer a progestogen-only or non-hormonal method while you wait if needed.

Pregnancy and birth temporarily make blood more likely to clot. The oestrogen in a combined pill can increase that tendency further, so the early weeks after delivery need particular caution. Caesarean birth, limited mobility, a previous clot, migraine with aura, smoking and some medical conditions may affect whether this pill is appropriate later.

Fertility can return before the first period, including during breastfeeding. Waiting for bleeding to restart is therefore not a dependable contraception plan.

Arrange a postnatal contraception discussion and mention breastfeeding, delivery complications, medicines, migraines, smoking and any personal or family history of clots. If the combined pill is suitable, confirm the start date and whether condoms are needed at first.

Take the tablet according to its pack instructions. Vomiting, severe diarrhoea, missed tablets and certain medicines can reduce protection, so check the leaflet or contact a pharmacist promptly for method-specific advice.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, one-sided leg swelling or pain, sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or a new severe headache with neurological symptoms. These can signal a clot or another serious postnatal problem.

Contact your maternity team promptly for heavy bleeding, fever, worsening abdominal pain, a painful red breast with fever, or feeling acutely unwell after birth, whether or not you have started contraception.

Ask when your individual clot risk has fallen enough to consider an oestrogen-containing method, whether breastfeeding changes that plan, and which temporary option fits your preferences. Also clarify what to do after a missed pill and when contraception protection begins.