

About 1 in 2,500 pregnancies go unnoticed until delivery. Studies suggest about 1 in 475 pregnancies go unnoticed until about 20 weeks gestation. This means a pregnancy could go unnoticed for longer.Ĭryptic pregnancies are uncommon.

There is some concern that birth control pills should not be taken for a long period before having the first child as it may slightly increase the chances of breast cancer. The efficacy goes down if a pill is missed, so a condom needs to be used in addition for the remaining days of the cycle. Also, they need to be started within the first two days of cycle to be most effective and should be taken at the same time daily. mild weight gain, acne, mood swings, very light or heavy periods, nausea, abdominal cramping etc. The most effective method is the birth control pills or oral contraceptive pills, but they are also associated with certain side effects e.g.

It is always advisable to the couple to meet a gynaecologist before marriage to discuss their needs according to their sexual preferences. Spermicidal jellies and vaginal tab can also be used. Natural methods like avoiding fertile period and withdrawal are associated with a high failure rate. They are best for spacing between two children. Intrauterine devices like Copper-T or multi-load are not recommended for a new bride as it is painful to insert and can cause pelvic infection and heavy periods. The female condom is a diaphragm, cervical cap not easily available and neither commonly used. It contains a high dose of a single hormone.Ĭondom for the male partner is a good contraceptive method which besides preventing pregnancy also prevents sexually transmitted diseases. This needs to be taken within 72 hours of having sex. Depending on your age, health problems and family history, or any other medication that you are taking, your gynaecologist will prescribe the most suitable pill for you.īirth control pills stop ovulation (which means egg maturation and release will be prevented) and that is why they are almost 99.99 per cent effective if taken as prescribed at the same time and without skipping a pill.įew couples who indulge in infrequent sexual activity even emergency contraceptive pills (commonly known as I-pill) can be suggested. You need to consult and discuss with your gynaecologist before starting the pill as different dosage and combinations are available. There are some pills that need to be taken for 24 days or 28 days. For best results, you can start taking the pill from the first or second day of the cycle. You have to take the pill for three weeks and wait for a week before starting it again. These pills contain two hormones estrogen and progesterone, which need to be taken on a cyclical basis. Contraceptive pills are the most effective.
