Signs of pregnancy after Depo: 8 tips on getting pregnant

While everyone’s journey is different, most people are able to conceive within 18 months after stopping the shot [1]. Pregnancy may happen faster or slower for you depending on a number of factors. In this article, we’ll share a few tips on getting pregnant after Depo-Provera, along with common signs of pregnancy after depo that you can look out for.

How does Depo-Provera prevent pregnancy?

Let’s review how the birth control shot, commonly known by its brand name Depo-Provera or “the depo shot,” prevents pregnancy. The shot is a highly effective medium-term contraceptive. It contains a synthetic hormone called progestin that mimics progesterone. It’s administered by your healthcare professional every three months, and this steady flow of progestin prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. Both of these effects make it extremely difficult for sperm cells to fertilize egg cells, thus preventing pregnancy [2].

You’ll need to keep getting the shot every three months to maintain these effects and prevent pregnancy. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may not recommend using the depo shot for more than two years at a time due to a risk of bone density loss, especially during perimenopause [1]. However, it’s worth noting that bone density loss is usually reversible once you stop the shot.

This two year timeframe makes the birth control shot is a great option for people who want a medium-term contraceptive — you don’t have to think about taking the pill everyday or using a condom every time you have sex, but you also don’t want a longer term birth control option like an IUD or the implant (these can prevent pregnancy for three to twelve years depending on the brand).

Getting pregnant after Depo-Provera

While it does not cause infertility, it can be hard to predict exactly when ovulation will return after stopping the depo shot [3]. Your body may need time to get back to its natural hormonal rhythm without the steady supply of progestin. You can track your temperature to monitor ovulation with Natural Cycles, or use other fertility awareness methods, to see how your body is adjusting over time. After stopping the shot, you might start to notice some signs of ovulation including:

• Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels
• Changes in cervical mucus
• A spike in basal body temperature (BBT) [4]

Once you’ve confirmed that ovulation is happening, there’s a good chance of getting pregnant after Depo-Provera. Everyone’s timeline will be different, but you can always reach out for guidance from your healthcare provider.

How long does it take to get pregnant after Depo-Provera?

There are quite a few variable factors that play into how long it will take to get pregnant after the shot. These include (but are not limited to) the person’s age, weight, and the dosage level they were getting [7]. Interestingly, the length of time you were using Depo-Provera doesn’t seem to have an effect on how long it takes to become pregnant after stopping it [1].

Overall, it can take up to 18 months after your last shot to get pregnant. Since it’s a long-acting birth control, it will take some time for its effects to wear off even if you’re not actively getting a new shot every three months [1]. Again, everyone’s body and pregnancy journey is unique, and technically, there is always a small chance of getting pregnant as soon as you stop getting the shot.

Can Depo-Provera cause infertility?

The birth control shot does not cause infertility after you stop getting it. It just prevents you from getting pregnant while you’re on it. It may delay conception time, but overall fertility rates stay the same [1, 3]. If you have questions or concerns about fertility, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide testing for you and/or your partner to understand your pregnancy chances and chart the best course forward, potentially using methods like IVF to conceive. NHS guidelines recommend talking to your doctor if you’re under 35 and have been trying without success for one year [5].

Tips on getting pregnant after Depo-Provera

To prepare yourself for a healthy pregnancy, here are some tips on getting pregnant after hormonal birth control like the Depo-Provera shot:

1. Stop all forms of birth control: This includes non-hormonal birth control methods like condoms and the pull out method. 
2. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening: With barrier birth control methods out of the picture, it’s worth getting tested for STIs while trying to conceive (commonly referred to as TTC).
3. Preconception care: In certain countries, you may be able to meet with your healthcare provider to assess you and your partner’s medical history and current health circumstances for support in creating the best environment for conception.
4. Track your cycle, paying close attention to ovulation: Getting to know your body’s ovulation signals with tools like Natural Cycles or luteinizing hormone testing can help you time intercourse for the best chances of fertilization (learn more about your fertile window).
5. Avoid stress: This goes for your partner too — excess stress can make it harder to conceive (although it’s not impossible). Relaxation techniques and healthy habits can make a big difference in the TTC journey, although we know this one is often easier said than done!
6. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Exercising regularly, taking prenatal vitamins, and eating whole foods with lots of fruits, vegetables, and plenty of protein in your diet can positively impact fertility. Avoiding smoking and drinking can also contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle.
7. Fertility testing: If you’ve been TTC for a while and want to understand your chances better, you can speak to your provider about fertility testing for you and/or your partner. Healthcare providers generally recommend this type of testing if you’ve been trying for a year, you’re under 35, and you have irregular cycles.
8. Have pregnancy tests on hand: It’s great to be ready with at-home tests to confirm pregnancy if you start noticing signals from your body. Your healthcare provider will probably want to test and confirm as well, but having at-homem tests on hand can help give you peace of mind [6].

These tips can help you get started preparing for pregnancy after stopping the depo shot, but remember that your body will have its own timing. It’s important to stay in tune with how you’re feeling and stay in touch with your healthcare provider as you navigate the TTC journey.

Signs of pregnancy after stopping Depo-Provera

If you’ve recently stopped the shot and all other forms of birth control and you’re wondering if you’ve conceived, there are some common symptoms that usually indicate early pregnancy, including:

• Missed period
• Light bleeding
• General nausea or morning sickness
• Fatigue
• Sore or tender breasts
• Frequent urination
• Cravings [8]

All of these signs of early pregnancy after depo indicate changing hormone levels to support the newly fertilized egg in your body. Every pregnancy is different though, so you may not notice any or all of these symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about pregnancy.

Get support on your pregnancy journey with Natural Cycles

Trying for a baby can be an exciting (and nerve-racking) time in life. Remember that you can always lean on your healthcare provider and community for support as you navigate the TTC journey, while using tools like Natural Cycles to help you plan your pregnancy. 

Research shows that couples using Natural Cycles get pregnant in three cycles or less on average [9]. When using NC°, the app will tell you the best day of your cycle to take a pregnancy test for the most accurate results. And when you do conceive, you can seamlessly switch from NC° Plan Pregnancy to NC° Follow Pregnancy to see how your pregnancy is progressing. Natural Cycles can be a supportive tool for you at any point in your fertility journey, so get started today.