A newborn is a welcome addition to any family! Especially the mother experiences a sense of contentment and fulfillment. She basks in the glory of having created a new life! All her time is taken up in getting to know her baby and tending to its needs. It is therefore understandable that she is not really interested in sexual intercourse at this time, though of course it is bound to happen. As a result, the chances of her getting pregnant after giving birth are more.

Another conception-the news does not bring much pleasure; or maybe no pleasure at all! After all, the new mother is still getting used to the idea of having delivered her first baby! She has to therefore prepare herself for any eventuality.

As a matter of fact, if one looks around, one would see that getting pregnant after giving birth is a very common occurrence. The new parents have probably forgotten to take counsel regarding contraception before indulging in sexual intercourse-so it was bound to happen. Even the father-to-be is not very happy with a second child arriving so soon.

The method of birth control is dependent on the mother. If she is breastfeeding the newborn, a non-hormonal form of contraception is advisable. For those who are not nursing their babies, other methods of birth control are available.

The menstrual cycle also plays a role in getting pregnant after giving birth. Once she has delivered her baby, the mother's cycle gets going again approximately 5 to 6 weeks later. So sexual intercourse during this time can result in getting pregnant after giving birth.

Nursing mothers find their periods delayed a little while longer. In some cases, the menstrual cycle begins only after the baby has been weaned off breastfeeding. Whatever the case may be, even though every woman's body reacts differently after the first pregnancy, taking adequate precautions to avoid getting pregnant after giving birth will really do no harm.

Generally, the first three weeks after delivery are safe. Still, it is not advisable to feel complacent about the menstrual cycle not having begun as yet. The mother's periods may begin suddenly and before she knows it, she has conceived again!

Doctors recommend that the couple wait for six weeks in case of a vaginal delivery. In the case of a C-section delivery, an extended period of time is suggested. So contraception should pose no problems after that time. Whatever birth control method is chosen, the body must get used to it for it to take effect. Therefore, a backup alternative is imperative if the mother wants to avoid getting pregnant after giving birth.