Long Acting Reversible Contraception Insertion After Delivery: What You Need to Know
For new mothers, the postpartum period can be overwhelming and filled with numerous decisions. One such decision is choosing the right birth control method and when to start it. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants, offers a convenient and effective option for women seeking long-term birth control after delivery and you can even start this before you leave the hospital. Laura Baisch BSN, RN, IBCLC with The BirthPlace at Conway Medical Center is helping us understand the benefits of having this done and what it means for you and your postpartum health.
Why LARC is a Popular Choice?
LARC methods are gaining popularity among new mothers due to their high effectiveness, convenience, and longevity. Unlike daily pills or monthly injections, LARC can protect for several years without requiring daily attention, making it a practical choice for women focused on caring for their new baby.
“New mothers can get pregnant very soon after having a baby,” explains Baisch. If you have sex in the weeks and months after giving birth and you don’t use birth control, it’s possible to get pregnant even if your menstrual periods haven’t returned. For many women, this can be nerve-racking and scary because you haven’t even settled into being a new mom yet. Starting a birth control method right after you have a baby can help you avoid an unintended pregnancy and lets you control if or when you want to get pregnant again.
The Safety of LARC Insertion After Delivery
Many women are concerned about the safety of LARC insertion immediately after delivery. Studies show that immediate postpartum insertion of LARC is both safe and effective. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports the immediate postpartum insertion of LARC methods, emphasizing its role in preventing unintended pregnancies and promoting optimal birth spacing.
“It is usually safe to have an IUD (Intrauterine Devise) inserted after giving birth but in some cases, it may not be, such as when there are signs of infection or serious bleeding, “explained Laura. “Our medical professionals will help you make the safest decision and if an IUD is not right for you, then you can still get a birth control implant in your arm.”
The Process of LARC Insertion After Delivery
“Up to 40% of women do not attend their 6-week postpartum follow-up appointment, and so they never obtain a reliable birth control,” says Laura. “But even for women who do go to the routine follow-up visit, ovulation can occur as early as three weeks after they give birth and so there‘s a possibility they can get pregnant then. Having LARC inserted before leaving the hospital takes one thing off the list.”
The process for both an IUD and a Birth Control Implant is quick and easy.
- IUD insertion can take place immediately after delivery or during the postpartum period. When performed right after delivery, the uterus is still open, making the insertion of an IUD easier. If the insertion is scheduled for the postpartum period, it is typically done at the 6-week postpartum visit.
- If you’d rather have a Birth Control Implant, that can be inserted in the delivery room or at any time before you leave the hospital after giving birth. The implant is inserted into your arm under the skin. The procedure takes only a few minutes.
“After the insertion, you might experience mild cramping and discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication,” encourages Baisch. “It’s really important to keep your OBGYN in the loop and discuss any concerns or symptoms you may be experiencing with them and be sure to follow all post-insertion care instructions diligently.”
The Benefits of LARC
The intrauterine device (IUD) and the birth control implant are both safe and highly effective in preventing pregnancy. They last for several years, and you can stop using them at any time if you choose. Using the IUD or the implant does not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. Laura provides us with some other benefits for both contraceptives from the ACOG:
IUD
- If you wish to get pregnant again or if you want to stop using it, you can have the implant removed at any time by a healthcare professional.
- Once the implant is in place, you do not have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.
- No one can tell that you are using birth control. The implant cannot be seen under the skin (but it can be felt).
- The implant does not interfere with sex or daily activities.
- Few medical conditions prevent its use. Almost all teenagers and adults can use the implant.
- The implant can reduce pain during your period.
Birth Control Implant
- If you wish to get pregnant again or if you want to stop using it, you can have the implant removed at any time by a healthcare professional.
- Once the implant is in place, you do not have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.
- No one can tell that you are using birth control. The implant cannot be seen under the skin (but it can be felt).
- The implant does not interfere with sex or daily activities.
- Few medical conditions prevent its use. Almost all teenagers and adults can use the implant.
- The implant can reduce pain during your period.
How Your OBGYN Can Help
Long-acting reversible contraception insertion after delivery can be a practical choice for women seeking effective birth control during the postpartum period. It offers a safe, convenient, and long-term solution to prevent unintended pregnancies, allowing new mothers to focus on the joy of motherhood without the added stress of birth control maintenance.
Laura stressed that “your birth control method is your choice. Make sure to discuss all your options with your OBGYN specialist who will walk you through the decision process before you ever head to the delivery room. Also, before choosing your preferred birth control method, it’s a good idea to check your insurance coverage for inpatient and outpatient methods to ensure your coverage applies as that could impact your choice.”
The Answers to All Your Questions
The BirthPlace at Conway Medical Center is committed to making your delivery experience as positive as possible. Learn more about how you can make your delivery smooth and stress-free with our hospital bag checklist or sign up for childbirth class or breastfeeding class at Conway Medical Center. If you want to discuss your delivery with an expert, request an appointment with an OB/GYN at CMC Women’s Health.
