Trying to Conceive After Stopping Birth Control: A Guide

Question
I am currently on the birth control pill I have been on it for a year and a half...My husband and I are thinking about having another baby. How long after I get off birth control should I try to get pregnant?

Answer
When you stop the pills, we advise you to wait until you get one period before you start trying to conceive. There is no harm trying before that (you can try even before you stop the pills) but we advise waiting for the first period just so we can "date" the pregnancy when you do, indeed, become pregnant. There is no harm to you or to the baby even if you become pregnant before stopping the pills. It is important to stop using birth control pills prior to the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy. If you take pills after that, there is a risk of masculinization of a female fetus. Other than that, there is no danger. Good Luck.