3rd Trimester
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Is it too early to start thinking about birth control?
I have never taken birth control before but since this baby was a surprise I want to wait a few years before we have another one. I was thinking about getting the shot because I heard that they are good for 3 years or something like that. Anyone else get the shot or some other type of bc?
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Re: Is it too early to start thinking about birth control?
oh ok. That makes sense. Thank you
BFP #2: due 6/30/2017, MMC found 12/7/2016
BFP #3: due 10/21/2018
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BFP #2 12/13/11. Missed M/C at 11w5d, measured 8w6d. D&C 2/1/12
Never in my arms, but always in my heart.
I have only ever used BC for 2 months of my life--between the wedding and honeymoon. DH and I are each others one and only. We did not want to get pregnant before the HM, but wanted to start TTC immediately. So we tried to use condoms, but they didn't work very well (they wouldn't stay one properly), so that's not an option at this time. Worked well enough then--we didn't get pregnant for another 10 months--but not taking the risk.
I don't want to go on any kind of homronal BC especially the pill. I know I would not take it consistently enough for it to work. Some days I would want to take it at 6, others at 10.
So, the thought is either a diaphram or an IUD (copper, non hormonal) for us. I think the IUD will be easier and less messy, but I need to make sure it is covered by insurance, etc. We would be using it for a little over a year because we will start TTC when this baby is around 18 months old.
I haven't discussed it with my MW yet. I think my mom is coming to my next appointment so that wouldn't be a good time, but the one after that (if I make it) will probably make sense. Although that appointment will also have the induction conversation I think...
I did the mini-pill last time because I knew we'd be TTC again in about a year.
This time, we're probably done, so I'll get an IUD. Mirena is hormonal and good for 5 years; Paraguard is non-hormonal and good for 10. I'll get Mirena, as I tolerate hormones well and hope to have lighter/no periods with it.
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You need to go in for the shot every 3 or 4 months, and it's very unreliable if you miss your appointment by even a day.
I'm doing an IUD and no it isn't too early, in fact I would talk to your OB/GYN about it now.
In my case, it's terrible wait to get an IUD into my office. They have to go through all the insurance hoops before they can even order it and they have a waiting list because they can only order so many at a time. I was going to get it after my daughter, I asked for it at my 6wk PP app (in February) and they finally called me in late August to tell me they would have it in the second week of September... by then we had changed our minds and were TTC. So this time I told them I wanted it and to start the paperwork at my 24wk appointment so hopefully it will be in by my 6wk PP and I can have it put in right then and there. We definitely want to wait at least 3 years before having another. The IUDs vary but Mirena (the one I'm getting) is good for 5 years and I believe Paraguard (the other option of IUD) is good for 10 years and both can be taken out at any time.
This doesn't' sound right at all to me...
Um yeah. Considering that you won't be able to have sex for at least 6 weeks minimum and I was specifically told by my OB not to have anything up there until she gave me the okay. The risk of infection is really high after childbirth.
Not too early at all.
Obviously talk to your doc.
I did the shot in high school and college and looking back I think it largely contributed to my weight gain. I just assumed it was the freshman 15 but as soon as I went off it I dropped about 20 lbs within a couple months. It does last 3 months and is certainly convenient.
We have typically used condoms in between pregnancies as we knew we wanted a big family anyway. However, last time I had some issues with preterm labor and my doc wanted me to be sure not to get pregnant before 2 years after my last birth (since she knew I wanted one more kid). So I had the Mirena IUD. I liked a LOT exCEPT that I spotted more often than not. The entire time I had it (often they will tell you it may be like that the first 3-6 months or even a year - well I had it 2 years and it never got much better). But most people have NO period on Mirena and it's approved for 5 years continuous use (meaning you don't have to do anything for 5 years for birth control once its in).
I will probably either do the Mirena again or the copper IUD (I am scared by the heavy period stories on that though and I actually get a benefit in my complextion from the low-dose hormones in the Mirena since I have hormonal (cyclical-driven) acne.
I should add that we are 99.9% sure we are done after this child. But I am only going to be 33 at the birth and my OB doesn't like to do anything permanent until 40. And DH isn't keen on getting snipped anytime soon.
I don't think it is ever too early in your pregnancy to ask. You want to have time to do research for what you and your doctor think will be best for you and your family.
I was on the pill before we decided to get pregnant. Being off of it, I have now discovered that it made me psycho-crazy (kind of like most first-trimester moms). I was also on anti-depressants/anxiety meds when I was on the pill. I think the hormone balance in it as throwing my emotions off too. I have tried several different pills in the past all with a similar emotional resut. Not everyone is effected the way I am so I would still look into it if I were you.
I just wanted to weigh in with my experiences. I have used several forms of BC and have some personal reviews for them:
Condoms- If you can get your SO to wear them, always good to use if you are trying not to get pregnant, but i would still recommend another form of BC along with them.
The Pill- Great option if you are good at remembering to take a pill everyday, if not you might end up with another surprise. That's how my first came along.
The Shot- If you cant remember to take a pill this can be a good option, i had Depo and it lasted 3 months till i needed the next one. However, my experience was horrible due to the fact it made me bleed non-stop when i was on it.
IUD- There are a couple to choose from, i had the Mirena implanted when my DS was about 2 months old. It was fine at first but after awhile i hated it, it gave me symptoms similar to early pregnancy causing me to think i was pregnant every month. I personally will not do this again, but everyone is different.
Tying Tubes- While this can be reversible, its usual done for women who dont want any more kids. This is the route i will be going after this LO, i will have the reversible one done just in case i change my mind on more kids later. Its an outpatient procedure and minimally invasive.
The ring and the patch- I have no experience with these at all.
As with any medication or surgery there are risks, please do your research and find what you are most comfortable with. I would honestly recommend taking the least invasive and least risky measures first and move on from there if it does not fit your lifestyle.
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I was on Depo in my mid to late twenties. I love that I didn't have a period while on it but after being at the same weight for a few years I gained about 15lbs after starting Depo. I wouldn't take the shot again.
If it's supposed to take a year to become fertile again, they would say the shot is good for a year...
My OB told me it can be put in before discharge from the hospital but he prefers to wait.