Locations:
Search IconSearch

Should You Wait to Get Pregnant After Stopping the Pill?

The short answer from an Ob/Gyn

Stop taking birth control pills

Q: Do I need to wait for the hormones in birth control to exit my body before I try to get pregnant?

A: It’s a myth that you should wait at least three months to try to conceive after you stop taking the pill. Once you stop taking the pill, the hormones will be out of your system in a matter of days and you could start ovulating and conceive right away.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Some women believe that if you do happen to get pregnant within three months of coming off the pill that it will increase your chance of having a miscarriage – but that’s simply not true.

Thinking of getting pregnant in the near future? It’s a good idea to schedule a preconception health visit with your doctor first. This appointment can help identify any potential risks to you or your baby during pregnancy, address any medical issues and ensure you are your healthiest self.

– Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic icon
Health Essentials logo
Subscription icon

Better health starts here

Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Female sitting on couch looking at a pregnancy test stick, holding cell phone

This May Surprise You — But You Can Get Pregnant on Your Period

While it’s probably not your most fertile time, it is possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your period

Parents holding baby

Can You Choose the Sex of Your Baby?

There’s only one proven way to stack the deck in favor of a boy or a girl

Hand holding a positive reading pregnancy test.
January 27, 2023/Women's Health

How Long It Takes To Get Pregnant and How You Can Up Your Odds

While 80% of women will get pregnant within six months, age and other factors make a difference

Loving couple ready to have a baby hugging outdoors.
October 18, 2022/Pregnancy & Childbirth

Does Having Excess Weight Affect Your Chances of Getting Pregnant?

How a BMI in the overweight or obesity range affects ovulation and how to increase fertility

A person juggles assorted fruits and veggies like broccoli, tomato, avocado and banana.
January 18, 2022/Pregnancy & Childbirth

How To Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

A fertility specialist talks timeline, diet and other prep steps

An illustration of a person reading a pregnancy test that shows two red lines as positive
October 18, 2021/Pregnancy & Childbirth

Causes of a False Positive Pregnancy Test

Can pregnancy tests be wrong?

woman snuggling with her cat

Can Changing Cat Litter Before You Know You’re Pregnant Put You at Risk for Toxoplasmosis?

The short answer from an Ob/Gyn

Mother is holding her 1 year old daughter while she talks

When’s the Right Time to Try for Another Baby?

An Ob/Gyn explains the question of timing

Trending Topics

Beef tallow in jar on counter, with spatula

Beef Tallow for Skin: Is It Useful?

Although it could be used as a moisturizer, this new trend is not recommended

Person holding a giant pencil, drawing a boundary line between two cliffs

How To Set Healthy Boundaries

Communicating clear limits helps protect your time, energy and emotional well-being

Older man with hand on chest while talking with healthcare provider in exam room

What To Know About High Cholesterol That Runs in the Family

High cholesterol can be genetic, but testing and treatment can lower your heart disease risk

Ad