Final answer:
Women should postpone birth control containing estrogen and progestin for 3 to 6 weeks postpartum to lower the risk of blood clots, particularly after a cesarean section or when other risk factors are present. Device-based contraceptives such as the implantable rod and the patch offer effective longer-term solutions. Post-birth examinations by an obstetrician are important for avoiding complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Postpartum women, especially those who have undergone cesarean section or have cerclage, should be cautious about contraception initiation and physical activity level. Birth control methods containing estrogen and progestin should be delayed for three weeks to six weeks to reduce the risk of blood clots, with a particular focus on other risk factors such as obesity, smoking, or a history of blood clots like preeclampsia. Moreover, after giving birth, the body undergoes a natural process of involution to return the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size, during which breastfeeding can be beneficial.
Implantable devices are an effective birth control option for many women, with options like the implantable rod (Implanon), which releases progestin and is effective for up to three years. The patch (Ortho Evra) is another hormone-based method that's applied weekly and works by releasing hormones to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. After childbirth, it's crucial that an obstetrician examines the expelled placenta and fetal membranes to prevent postpartum complications such as hemorrhage.