How to Avoid Unplanned Pregnancy

The best way to prevent abortion is to avoid unwanted pregnancy in the first place.

Here are the different ways to stay safe, informed, and empowered — starting with your trusted resource.

💕 Use Online Tools to Plan Wisely

BabiesBeforeBirth.com

Your body follows a natural rhythm. Understanding it helps you plan or avoid pregnancy.

Visit babiesbeforebirth.com for:

Ovulation calculator – know your fertile window
Pregnancy due-date calculator – plan ahead with accuracy
Cycle length tracker – helps recognize when you're most and least fertile
Fertility calendar – visualize your monthly cycle easily

✅ Natural, hormone-free, educational
✅ Empowers you to make informed choices
✅ Free and private to use

2. Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC)

99%+ Effective

These are set-and-forget options that work for years.

IUD (Copper or Hormonal) – lasts 3–10 years
Implant (Nexplanon) – tiny rod under the skin, lasts up to 3 years

✅ Very reliable
✅ Reversible anytime
✅ Safe for most women

3. Hormonal Birth Control

91–99% Effective

Daily or monthly options that regulate cycles and prevent ovulation.

Pill, patch, ring, or injection
Easy to get from a doctor or family health clinic

⚠️ Must be used correctly and regularly
✅ Also helps with painful or irregular periods

4. Barrier Methods

70–88% Effective

Physical protection that prevents sperm from reaching the egg.

Male or female condoms (also protect against STIs)
Diaphragm or cervical cap (used with spermicide)

✅ Inexpensive and available over-the-counter
⚠️ Must be used every time you have intercourse

5. Fertility Awareness / Natural Family Planning

Avoid sex during fertile days using:

Temperature and mucus tracking
Ovulation test strips
Cycle calendars (use BabiesBeforeBirth.com to assist!)

✅ Hormone-free
⚠️ Requires daily consistency and understanding of your body

6. Withdrawal ("Pulling Out")

Not reliable — sperm may escape before full withdrawal.

⚠️ High failure rate (~22%)
⚠️ No STI protection

7. Permanent Options

99%+ Effective

For those certain they don't want children.

Tubal ligation (women)
Vasectomy (men)

✅ One-time, long-term solution
⚠️ Not easily reversible

8. Abstinence

100% Effective

Choosing not to have sex is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and STIs.

Remember: The best contraception method is the one you'll use consistently. Talk to a healthcare provider to find what works best for your body and lifestyle.