Tips for week 39 of pregnancy

If you plan to breastfeed, get prepared.

• Continue to eat healthy foods.
• Keep taking your prenatal vitamins during breastfeeding if your healthcare provider or midwife recommends it.
• Talk to your healthcare provider or midwife before taking any medicines or natural health products.

Choose the right birth control for you.

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are placed in the uterus. If you plan ahead, the IUD can be placed right after giving birth. They work for years.
• Hormonal implants are placed under the skin of the arm. This can be done after 4 weeks have passed since you’ve had your baby. It releases the hormone progestin and prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years.
• Depo-Provera is a shot. You get it every 3 months. Wait 6 weeks postpartum before getting a birth control shot.
• Birth control pills can be used. They're taken every day. Birth control pills work well. But it's best to use progestin-only options while breastfeeding. Pills with estrogen are not recommended while you’re breastfeeding, as they may decrease your milk supply.
• Tubal ligation (tying your tubes) and vasectomy are surgeries. They're permanent.
• Diaphragms, spermicide, and condoms must be used each time you have sex. If you used a diaphragm before, you should get refitted after the baby is born.