Postpartum Sexual and Contraceptive Health - Postpartum

Emergency contraceptive pills are taken shortly after unprotected intercourse in order to prevent from becoming pregnant. About 25% of the woman who take the progestin-only pills have nausea and about 5% vomit. About 50% of women who use combined ECPs experience nausea and 20% vomit. If you vomit within 1-2 hours after taking the pills, you should probably repeat the dose you took.
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Emergency contraceptive pills are taken shortly after unprotected intercourse in order to prevent from becoming pregnant.

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Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

It is normal for a pregnant woman to undergo many body changes, aches and pains during pregnancy. Most are associated with hormones, and the pain will stop when hormone levels return to normal.
During pregnancy, the uterus will grow many-fold the size it was before the baby moved in. This growth, in addition to the hormonal and physical changes in the body associated with pregnancy, can cause aches, pain and fatigue. <a href="/pregnancy/all-physical-pregnancy-symptoms">Other painful body changes</a> include:
<ul>
<li><a href="/nausea-and-vomiting-early-pregnancy-symptoms">Nausea and Vomiting</a></li>
<li><a href="/childbirth-class/constipation-and-diarrhea">Constipation/Diarrhea</a></li>
<li><a href="/childbirth-class/hemorrhoids">Hemorrhoids</a></li>
<li><a href="/childbirth-class/body-aches-and-pains">Body Aches and Pains</a></li>
<li><a href="/pregnancy-symptoms/heartburn-or-indigestion" target="_self">Heartburn and Indigestion</a></li>
<li><a href="/childbirth-class/swelling">Swelling</a></li>
<li><a href="/childbirth-class/other-painful-body-changes">Other Painful Body Changes</a></li>
</ul>
It is normal for the pregnant woman to undergo many body changes, aches and pains during pregnancy. Most are associated with hormones and the pain will stop when hormone levels return to normal. However, as with <a href="/pregnancy/all-physical-pregnancy-symptoms">any symptom</a> in general, call your doctor if you are concerned about something. Only your doctor can examine you to make sure your symptoms are OK.
You can read about more about body changes that occur during pregnancy by clicking <a href="/pregnancy/all-physical-pregnancy-symptoms">HERE.</a>

It is normal for a pregnant woman to undergo many body changes, aches  and pains during pregnancy. Most are associated with hormones, and the  pain will stop when hormone levels return to normal.

Painful Body Changes In Pregnancy And How to Cope

<h2>Contraception after giving birth</h2>
You likely do not want to get pregnant too soon after delivery, and you may choose to get some form of contraception right after birth. In addition, it's not safe to get pregnant within 18 months after a cesarean section, so birth control is something you will have to think about.
You will have a lot going when you have a new baby, and the last thing your will probably want to think about is what contraceptive method you are going to use. A lot of couples find that a baby waking up at all hours of the day and night does the job just fine. If somehow you still find time for intimacy, congratulations! You are a lucky person indeed. Just in case you will catch a minute or two, you will definitely like having birth control already sorted out.
<h2>So, what are the best options?</h2>
To a large extent, this depends on personal preference. Here are some birth control methods you might want to consider. 1) Exclusively breastfeeding on demand has been shown to be a very unreliable birth control method. Even if you exclusively breastfeed, which means not supplementing with formula, or giving your baby solids, and nursing your baby whenever he or she wants, breastfeeding as a birth control method is imperfect. Many women start ovulating as early as 3-4 months after delivery. 2) Charting to avoid getting pregnant may sometimes give you insights into your fertility, and can help you avoid getting pregnant. However, after pregnancy the typical fertility signs may not be there, so charting your fertility postpartum is not a good idea. 3) Using condoms is a very popular choice after having a baby. This is an effective method that does not involve hormones, and therefore allows your body to recover from pregnancy and birth more easily. However, you must use condoms all the time and not make any mistakes when using them. 4) The birth control pill is another common choice. Please be aware that you are only able to use certain birth control pills such as progestin-only pills if you are breastfeeding. 5) An intrauterine device (IUD). IUDs are great contraceptives and they are safe. They can be inserted while you are still in the hospital or shortly afterwards. IUDs are available both in hormone-free and hormone-added varieties.
6) Injectable contraceptives such as depo provera work well for preventing ovulation. They are injected once every three months. However, they can delay ovulation for some time, and are not the best contraceptives if you want to get pregnant soon. Ovulation can be delayed for up to 6-9 months after the last injection.
Of course, no method is absolutely fail-safe, except for total abstenance, but these previously mentioned contraceptive methods, if used properly, tend to be very reliable in avoiding pregnancy.
Learn more about other birth control methods in our <a href="/contraception">Birth Control Guide</a>!

You likely do not want to get pregnant too soon after delivery, and you may choose to get some form of contraception right after birth. In addition, it's not safe to get pregnant within 18 months after a cesarean section, so birth control is something you will have to think about.

Contraception After Pregnancy

The mother-to-be can also expect her areolas to grow darker, a <a href="/pregnancy-symptoms/linea-nigra">darkened line to appear from her navel to the pubic bone</a>, a <a href="/pregnancy-symptoms/chloasma-pregnancy-mask">discoloration of the face</a> and her <a href="/pregnancy-symptoms/feet-increased-size">feet to grow large</a>r. Physical changes during pregnancy are commonly associated with hormonal changes. The body typically returns to normal a few months after the baby is born.
<a href="../../pregnancy/all-physical-pregnancy-symptoms">Other painful body changes</a> include:
<ul>
<li><a href="/pregnancy-medical-issues/morning-sickness-tips-coping" target="_self">Nausea and Vomiting</a></li>
<li><a href="../../childbirth-class/constipation-and-diarrhea">Constipation/Diarrhea</a></li>
<li><a href="../../childbirth-class/hemorrhoids">Hemorrhoids</a></li>
<li><a href="../../childbirth-class/body-aches-and-pains">Body Aches and Pains</a></li>
<li><a href="/pregnancy-symptoms/heartburn-or-indigestion" target="_self">Heartburn and Indigestion</a></li>
<li><a href="../../childbirth-class/swelling">Swelling</a></li>
<li><a href="../../childbirth-class/other-painful-body-changes">Other Painful Body Changes</a></li>
</ul>

It is normal for the pregnant woman to undergo many body changes, aches and pains during pregnancy. Most are associated with hormones and the pain will stop when hormone levels return to normal. However, as with <a href="../../pregnancy/all-physical-pregnancy-symptoms">any symptom</a> in general, call your doctor if you are concerned about something. Only your doctor can examine you to make sure your symptoms are OK.
You can read about more about body changes that occur during pregnancy by clicking <a href="/pregnancy/all-physical-pregnancy-symptoms">here.</a>

Physical changes during pregnancy are commonly associated with hormonal changes. The body typically returns to normal a few months after baby is born.

Other Painful Body Changes

<html><head></head><body>Constipation is a condition in which there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces. Constipation is also described as having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. It is also defined as difficulty&nbsp;in emptying the bowels,&nbsp;infrequent bowel movements, or difficult passage of usually&nbsp;hardened feces&nbsp;that persists for many days, often several weeks or longer.&nbsp;
Constipation is among the most frequent and uncomfortable complaints during pregnancy affecting most pregnant women. In order for your body to grow a healthy baby, hormones slow down the digestive process during pregnancy and allow food to spend more time in the absorption phase. While this is healthy, the longer the food spends in the intestine, the more water is pulled from waste resulting in constipation during pregnancy.
<h2>Causes of constipation</h2>
You and your baby need more calories, healthy vitamins, and nutrients when you are together than you ever will need apart. In order for you to grow a healthy baby, hormones slow down the digestive process and allow food to spend more time in the absorption phase. While this is healthy for everyone involved, the longer the food spends in the intestine, the more water is pulled from waste. By the time last night’s meal makes it to the colon, it can be dried out and hard to pass and therefore cause constipation. This constipation is normal and not often harmful to health but can leave you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable.
Some constipation during pregnancy is normal, but mom needs to watch her body carefully. If a bowel movement has not passed in several days, seeking help from her attending physician may be in order. If waste is left in the body for too long, impaction can occur and that means someone has to dig out what mom can’t pass.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/pregnancy-complications/treatment-of-constipation-during-pregnancy">Treatment Of Constipation During Pregnancy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/medications/constipation-and-pregnancy-there-safe-stool-softener">Constipation and Pregnancy: Is There a Safe Stool Softener?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/food-and-nutrition/constipation-remedies-during-pregnancy-how-to-eat-get-things-moving">Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy: How to Eat to Get Things Moving</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/childbirth-class/constipation-and-diarrhea">Constipation and Diarrhea During Pregnancy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/medical-issues/treatments-constipation-during-pregnancy">Treatments for Constipation During Pregnancy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/pregnancy/constipation-and-pregnancy">Constipation and Pregnancy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://babymed.com/pregnancy/constipation-pregnancy-what-do-about-it">Constipation in Pregnancy - What To Do About It</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Treatment for constipation</h2>
Treating constipation during pregnancy is all about preparation and realizing that water is the number one health food while pregnant. Water helps to lubricate the bowels and keep them moving in the right way.
<ul>
<li>Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important during pregnancy, particularly with your increase in fiber. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high-fiber diet and lots of liquid that will be the best way for you to try and eliminate your waste. Sweat, hot/humid climates, and exercise may increase your need for additional fluids.</li>
<li>Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole grain bread, prunes, and bran.&nbsp; Eating extra fiber can also help you pass old waste, but with more fiber comes the need for more water. Fiber is a bulk-forming laxative that requires water to work. Without extra water, constipation during pregnancy may become worse.</li>
<li>Exercise routinely: If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels. Schedule exercise three times a week for 20-30 minutes each.</li>
<li>Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Iron supplements may contribute to constipation. Good nutrition can often meet your iron needs during pregnancy. Taking smaller doses of iron throughout the day rather than taking it all at once can reduce constipation.</li>
<li>Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter products such as Metamucil (Category B) which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce constipation. Always speak to your doctor before using over-the-counter medications.</li>
<li>Laxative pills are not recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration.</li>
<li>Mineral oils should not be used during pregnancy because there is an increased reduction in nutrient absorption.</li>
<li>Eat healthy fruits and green vegetables, and try eating smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to large meals that may put too much pressure on the digestive system.</li>
<li>A glass of fruit juice every day, especially prune juice, can also be helpful.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Some people find that drinking a warm liquid right after waking up helps get things moving.</li>
<li>If your prenatal multivitamin contains a large dose of iron (and you're not anemic), ask your doctor about switching to a supplement with less iron</li>
<li>Eat high-fiber foods such as cereals, whole-grain bread, and fresh fruits and vegetables every day.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Add a couple of tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran (available at health food stores) to your cereal in the morning and follow it with a glass of water.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Use fiber supplements like Metamucil® or Citrucel®. Even with a healthy, balanced diet, the fiber content may not be adequate. Although you may think of Metamucil and Citrucel as laxatives, they are simply a concentrated source of fiber, and therefore safely serve a useful purpose. The powder forms work better than tablets for most people.&nbsp;Fiber supplements are safe even if taken on a daily basis.</li>
<li>Pick a time of day to routinely try to move your bowels. Many people find that trying to have a BM after breakfast or after a cup of coffee is better than waiting until they feel the urge. Rushing around all day ignoring the mild signals you get from your body is not conducive to normal bowel function!</li>
</ul>
<h2>Medications for constipation</h2>
Stool softeners (like Colace®) and mild laxatives like Milk of Magnesia (we call it M.O.M. in the hospital!) are safe to use during pregnancy. M.O.M. can also be used for heartburn. It is always best to avoid stimulant laxatives (like Dulcolax®, Ex-lax® and Correctol®) unless directed by your doctor. If you are not sure about a laxative's safety, be sure to ask your doctor.
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Constipation is among the most frequent and uncomfortable complaints during pregnancy. Here's how to treat it!

Constipation and Pregnancy

<h2>Q: What are the chances of getting pregnant when taking the combined pill?</h2>
A: If you take the combined pill correctly, your chances of getting pregnant are much less than 1%. However, if you miss the pill, there is a higher chance of getting pregnant.

Getting Pregnant While On The Pill

Q: Should I stop the pill or go on vacation?
A: What is more important to you? Trying to get pregnant or not messing up your vacation? When you stop the pill, you may or may not have irregular bleeding until you start ovulating, so that needs to be considered before you stop the pill and going on your vacation. There is no evidence that getting pregnant right after stopping the pill will do any harm to the pregnancy, though it may take some time for ovulation to happen and your ability to get pregnant returns.

Should I stop the pill or go on vacation?

Stop the Pill or Go on Vacation

Q: Will there be a problem after I stop the pill?
A: Your irregular menstrual cycles were probably due to anovulation (no ovulation). While on the pill you menstruate regularly, but it's not due to ovulation. The pill does not really treat the underlying problem of anovulation, so there is a chance that you will have similar problems when you go off the pill. If you don't get your period within two to three months after stopping the pill and you want to get pregnant, you probably should not wait too long before seeing a doctor.