On the pill? How to conceive!

Are you wondering when is the right time to stop taking your oral contraceptive pills so that you can try to conceive?

Your doctor advised you to wait for at least two menstrual cycles before you even think about conceiving. Wondering why?

"There are lot of misconceptions associated with taking and discontinuing OCPs. In reality you needn't wait for two cycles to start conceiving. In fact you can try immediately," informs Dr. Vanita Raut, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician from Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai.

This does not mean the two to three menstrual cycles waiting period is out of context. However, continuing or discontinuing OCPs does not have any direct effect on the chances of conceiving.

Following the waiting period may in fact do you a world of good. There are two reasons which make it absolutely necessary to "wait for the right time".

1. The Right Date

When it comes to pregnancy, the due date is of utmost importance. It needs to be as accurate as possible for both you and your doctor.

This is possible only when you have a regular menstrual cycle. Taking OCPs can throw your cycle off gear for a while and it takes at least three cycles to get it normalised.

2. Miscarriage / Multiple Births

Getting pregnant shortly after stopping the pills can give less time for your uterine lining to receive and embed the fertilised egg. This in turn can cause the risk of a miscarriage.

Also, there are chances of multiple conceptions, especially since there is a surge in ovulation after you stop taking the pills.

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Trying to Conceive

"Once your periods have regularised, learn your ovulation cycle and have sex accordingly. Preferable try to conceive on days between the 11th and 17th day of your ovulatory cycle," explains Dr Raut.

Return to the Pill Post Delivery

For most women, family planning is important and a big question looming in your mind is if and when you can get back to your OCPs post childbirth. The answer is yes.

However, since you will be nursing your child it is advisable to wait for at least two weeks before returning to the pill.

Again, you cannot resume taking normal OCPs post delivery. There is special progesterone only OCPs available, which is best suited for a nursing mother.

This is because a normal pill which is a combination of progesterone and oestrogen will reduce your milk production.

OCPs are a great tool for family planning and does not affect chances of pregnancy in any way, regardless of how long you take it.

"Also, the idea of taking a break from the pill has no grounds from the medical standpoint. If you take a break from OCP, the only thing that will happen is that you may get pregnant," informs Dr Raut.