Can I Get Pregnant After Unprotected Intercourse Postpartum?

Could I be pregnant?

Hello, I gave birth to my first child vaginally on May 26 and did not breastfeed.
My first postpartum menstruation was from July 21 to 30, lasting intermittently for nine days.
The second menstruation was from August 22 to 30, also lasting nine days.
On the evening of September 6, around 6 PM, I had unprotected intercourse with my husband, and he withdrew before ejaculation.
I am concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, so on the evening of September 8, around 6 PM, I took an emergency contraceptive pill (levonorgestrel).
I would like to ask: 1.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy? I believe it was within 48 hours.
2.
Recently, I have experienced occasional mild nausea; could this be a side effect of the emergency contraceptive? 3.
Should I expect my next menstruation to occur between the 22nd and 24th?

Nan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/13

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Taking emergency contraceptive pills can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy by up to 80%.

2.
After taking emergency contraceptive pills, a small number of individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort.

3.
Emergency contraceptive pills may alter the menstrual cycle, and the onset may not occur at the originally expected time.

Respectfully, Dr.
Li-Cheng Lu, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/09/13

More Info

After giving birth, especially if you are not breastfeeding, it is indeed possible to become pregnant again relatively quickly. The postpartum period can be quite variable for women, and ovulation can occur before your first postpartum period. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your situation and the questions you raised:
1. Chance of Pregnancy: Given that you had unprotected intercourse on September 6 and took emergency contraception (levonorgestrel) shortly after, your chances of becoming pregnant are significantly reduced. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, and it is recommended to take it as soon as possible. Since you took it within 48 hours, you have maximized your chances of preventing pregnancy. However, no method of contraception is 100% effective, so there is still a small chance that you could become pregnant.

2. Nausea Symptoms: The slight feeling of nausea you are experiencing could be related to several factors. It could be a side effect of the emergency contraceptive pill, as hormonal fluctuations can lead to symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or changes in your menstrual cycle. However, it is also important to consider that if you are experiencing nausea, it could be an early sign of pregnancy, especially since you had unprotected intercourse. If your nausea persists or worsens, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test or consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

3. Next Menstrual Cycle: Your menstrual cycles seem to be returning to a more regular pattern after childbirth. Since your second period started on August 22 and lasted for about nine days, it is reasonable to expect your next period around the same time frame, likely between September 22 and 24. However, postpartum cycles can be irregular, and various factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and your overall health can influence the timing of your next period.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy exists after unprotected intercourse postpartum, taking emergency contraception significantly reduces that risk. The symptoms you are experiencing could be related to the emergency contraceptive or an early sign of pregnancy. Monitoring your menstrual cycle will also provide insight into your reproductive health as you navigate this postpartum period. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms persist, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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