How soon can I have a baby after going off the pill?

[hollandlop]

I have been taking Alesse birth control pills for 2 years. My husband and I decided to have a baby so I am going off the pill this week.

I heard from my family doctor that there are chemicals in birth control pills to cause birth defects, so I should wait at least 3 months before trying to get pregnant. Is that true?

Also, will my menstrual cycle go crazy after I stop taking the pills? What can I expect?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Don't wait!  The only reason we recommend the three month waiting period is to allow you to figure out what your natural cycle is going to be and make timing easier.  Many many babies are conceived by women who are still taking their pills and there are no known birth defects caused by this.  

About your periods, if you went on the pill to regulate them, then it is likely that they will be irregular when they start again.  If they were regular previously and you started them when you married, they will likely be regular again.

As far a timing is concerned--if you count day one of your period as equal to day one of your cycle, then days 11-16 are your most fertile days.  The best chances for conception are if you have intercourse daily or every other day during that time.

I'm a firm believer that mother nature is the master planner, and so when ever you and your other half feel most "frisky" is probably the right time.

Good luck!

Dr B

[mornings1stlight]

if the doc reccommends waiting 3 months, that would be a good idea.  as far as your menstrual cycle going nuts after comming off the pill, I think it has to do with your body, and what your period was like before.