postpartum contraception

Patient care

Women who have no risk factors for blood clotting may safely begin or resume hormonal contraception 21 days after delivery. Women who have risk factors for venous thromboembolism (such as a prior blood clot in the legs, pelvis or lungs, age over 35 years, cardiomyopathy, a history of smoking, postpartum hemorrhage, or cesarean delivery should delay hormonal contraception for at least 42 days.