Since your period has not returned postpartum, you can still ovulate and become pregnant. You should take a Levonorgestrel-based emergency contraceptive pill (such as Plan B One-Step or i-Pill) as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the unprotected sex. This medication is highly effective and completely safe if you are breastfeeding. Another option is Ulipristal acetate (Ella), which is effective up to 120 hours but requires a prescription, and you must pump and discard breast milk for 24 hours after taking it. Please consult your gynaecologist to discuss a reliable, ongoing postpartum contraceptive plan.

You have a few effective options to prevent pregnancy, depending on how much time has passed: Levonorgestrel (e.g., Plan B): Available over-the-counter without a prescription. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. Ulipristal acetate (Ella): Requires a prescription. It remains highly effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) and is more effective than Plan B if you are closer to the 5-day limit or have a higher BMI. IUD (Copper or hormonal): Inserted by a doctor within 5 days; this is the most effective method overall. Please act quickly, as emergency contraception works best the sooner it is taken.

For newly married couples, condoms are already one of the safest and simplest contraceptive methods because they help prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections with very few side effects. If you want additional or more reliable pregnancy prevention, doctors commonly recommend low-dose hormonal birth control pills, copper-T, hormonal intrauterine devices, or contraceptive injections, depending on your health and future pregnancy plans. Low-dose contraceptive pills are widely used and generally well tolerated, but some women may experience mild nausea, spotting, breast tenderness, headache, or mood changes during the initial months. Copper-T is hormone-free and long-lasting, while hormonal intrauterine devices may reduce heavy bleeding and cramps in some women. The best option depends on age, blood pressure, smoking status, migraine history, diabetes, menstrual pattern, and comfort with daily pills or long-term devices. Please consult a gynaecologist to choose the safest and most suitable contraceptive method with the least side effects for both of you.