title: When to start the pill after pregnancy.
abstract: After a term pregnancy in a woman who is not nursing, she should wait 2 weeks after delivery before she starts the pill because the 1st ovulation will not occur until at least 4 weeks postpartum, and usually later.  Another reason for waiting 2 weeks, is a consequence of the increased risk of thromboembolism in the normal puerperium caused by changes in the blood-clotting factors;  if oral contraception was commenced immediately postpartum it would further increase the possible risk of thromboembolism.
mesh_terms: D003267:Contraception; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D005193:Family Planning Services; D049590:Postpartum Period; D012098:Reproduction
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral
keywords: Contraception; Contraceptive Methods; Family Planning; Oral Contraceptives; Puerperium; Reproduction