At Hospital El Pilar, we believe it's important to talk about prevention, well-being, and informed decisions regarding fertility. On this occasion, we spoke with Dr. Javier Cancinos, a gynecologist and obstetrician, about the importance of family planning after childbirth, a stage often experienced intensely with little time for self-care.

 

Why is it important to talk about family planning in the postpartum period?

After the birth of the baby, the woman's body goes through a deep recovery process. “Going from a pregnant state to a non-pregnant one involves significant hormonal, physical, and emotional changes,” explains Dr. Cancinos. Added to this are the demands of breastfeeding, accumulated fatigue, lack of sleep, and increased physical exertion.

 

Planning another pregnancy before giving the body time to heal can affect maternal health. " Ideally, one should wait at least two years between pregnancies. This time allows for correcting nutritional deficiencies, regaining overall physical fitness, and preparing emotionally for a new motherhood."

Some common problems in women who do not recover properly before a new pregnancy include diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles), iron deficiency, lack of vitamin D, and an increased risk of anemia.

 

When can you use contraception after giving birth?

The postpartum consultation—which should ideally take place between the first and sixth week after delivery—is the right time to talk about contraception. “During that visit, we assessed the condition of the uterus, the bleeding, the patient’s overall recovery, and discussed her family planning plan,” the specialist commented.

The World Health Organization (WHO)recommends that no woman leave her postpartum consultation without a defined contraceptive method or, at least, an educational plan on how to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

 

What contraceptive methods are recommended at this stage?

It depends on each woman, but generally speaking, the following are considered:

·       Progesterone-based hormonal contraceptives: ideal from the first month postpartum, especially if the woman is breastfeeding.

·       Intrauterine device: can be placed even before the sixth week.

·       Subdermal implants: a safe and long-lasting option.

·       MELA method (lactational amenorrhea): only effective if the mother exclusively breastfeeds every 3 hours, day and night, for the first 6 months.

·       Natural or barrier methods: like the condom, but with a higher failure rate if not used correctly.

 

At 4-6 weeks, some women can already use combined contraceptives (estrogen + progesterone), but this should be evaluated with their doctor, as it increases the risk of thrombosis in overweight women or those with a specific medical history.

 

What factors influence the choice of the best contraceptive method?

Every body is different, which is why Dr. Cancinos emphasizes that the approach must be individualized. Factors such as the type of delivery, breastfeeding, the mother's physical condition, medical history, and lifestyle must all be taken into account. “Even if a woman does not want a hormonal or intrauterine method, she should receive complete information to make an informed decision.”

What are the risks if a subsequent pregnancy is not planned?

 

The main risk is the deterioration ofthe mother's physical and immunological health . "The body isn't a machine. If you don't give it time to recover, it's like using a cell phone without charging it: by midday it's useless." Getting pregnant too soon can worsen nutritional deficiencies, cause chronic fatigue, anemia, or complications in the subsequent pregnancy.

" For postpartum mothers, the main recommendation is to enjoy their baby, savor this stage of their lives, and take care of themselves. It's not the time to think about another pregnancy, but rather to recover, attend their medical checkups, and adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes strength training," concludes Dr. Cancinos.

 

At El Pilar Hospital, women's healthcare is comprehensive. If you are postpartum or expecting a baby, visit our gynecology clinics for professional guidance on family planning and reproductive health.