What birth control methods are safe for me after having preeclampsia?
Our Senior Moderator, Sara Owens, writes:
For many of us, birth control containing estrogen is not recommended because estrogen can increase our risks of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, and women who have had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are already at higher risk for those. This excludes the combination pill, vaginal ring, and patch for many of us. You should talk to a doctor who is familiar with and knowledgeable about your history about whether estrogen-containing birth control is safe for you. Estrogen-containing methods may be still be the right choice for some women, but you should be aware of the risks and symptoms to watch for. (In addition, birth control containing estrogen may decrease milk supply if you are breastfeeding.) ACOG has more details about combination birth control here.
Other options are generally safe for our population, but your OB, MFM, or midwife can recommend one that is right for you. Certain methods can be done in the delivery room, especially if you have a c-section, or before you leave the hospital. It is possible to become pregnant before your 6-week postpartum checkup!
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Various types of IUDs: a T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent conception. Copper ones do not contain hormones; other methods, including Mirena, release progesterone. They are greater than 99% effective for 3-10 years, depending on type and can be removed if you want to get pregnant. More details here from SMFM.
Implant: a small rod inserted under the skin, which releases progesterone to prevent conception. They are greater than 99% effective for up to 3 years and can be removed if you want to get pregnant. More details here from SMFM.
Other progesterone-only methods
Barrier methods
Sterilization
Fertility Awareness Methods
Abstinence