how soon after having a baby can you get pregnant

It is possible to get pregnant as soon as 3 to 4 weeks after having a baby, even before the first postpartum period occurs. Ovulation can return early, sometimes as soon as four to six weeks postpartum, which means a woman can conceive before her first period after birth. Breastfeeding can delay the return of ovulation, but it is not a guaranteed method of contraception. Doctors generally recommend waiting about 18 months before trying to get pregnant again to allow the body sufficient time to recover and to reduce risks associated with closely spaced pregnancies, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. However, fertility can resume much sooner, so using contraception is advised if another pregnancy is not planned immediately after birth.