June 13, 2025, 10:08 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Anyone planning to become pregnant faces this exact question. But how long in advance should one stop taking the small pill? And what actually happens to the cycle afterward? We spoke with Dr. Heidi Gößlinghoff, a reproductive medicine specialist and gynecologist.
When the desire for children becomes louder than the alarm clock at six in the morning, many women ask themselves the same question: When should I stop taking the pill? And: What happens to my body then? Our expert explained in detail in an interview what you should pay attention to when turning a dream into a baby dream.
Overview
- The Perfect Timing–Spontaneous but Planned
- When Stopping Earlier Makes Sense
- What Happens After Stopping?
- Support Your Body–Gently but Effectively
- Cycle Tracking! Get to Know Your Body (Again)
- When You Shouldn’t Stop
- Over 35? Then Your Ovaries Tick Faster
- Stopping the Pill for a Baby Wish? With a Clear Head and Good Gut Feeling!
The Perfect Timing–Spontaneous but Planned
If you have a desire for children and want to become pregnant, you can theoretically stop taking the pill exactly when you want to start. “The best time to stop taking the pill when planning a family is really right when you want to become pregnant,” says Dr. Gößlinghoff.
Because: The pill keeps ovulation in check. When it is stopped, all follicles start at the same time—and that brings advantages. “Then they have a starting point where they can begin to mature,” explains the expert.
When Stopping Earlier Makes Sense
If your cycle had a life of its own even before the pill, it might make sense to stop a little earlier. “Especially if you had irregular periods before,” says Gößlinghoff, “it makes sense to stop the pill earlier so the cycle can regulate itself again.”
But beware: Stopping without a plan is not a good idea. Pregnancy might not fit into your life right now—perhaps due to a world trip or a stressful move? Then, it’s better to continue for a few more months. “I would continue taking the pill beyond this event,” advises the expert.
What Happens After Stopping?
For some women, it starts right away—the cycle cooperates nicely. For others, it takes a few weeks or months. “After six months at the latest, you should seek clarification if the cycle does not become regular or does not occur at all.”
Good to know: You can become pregnant even without a period! “Ovulation occurs before the period. If you’re unlucky, you might hit ovulation before your first period after stopping and become pregnant without realizing it.”
Support Your Body–Gently but Effectively
To ensure your fertility is in top form, your lifestyle plays a significant role. Healthy eating, normal weight, and a few selected supplements can help. At the top of the list: folic acid. “Folic acid is a must because it helps protect the genetic material of eggs and sperm.”
Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids are also true cycle friends. “Vitamin D is actually more of a hormone-like substance than a vitamin—essential for egg maturation, the uterine lining, and even sperm motility,” says Gößlinghoff. “Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory effects and ensures that cell membranes are more permeable and eggs are better nourished.”
Cycle Tracking! Get to Know Your Body (Again)
After stopping the pill, many women need to reacquaint themselves with their cycle. There are many options, from measuring temperature to cycle apps to smart tampons or bracelets. Cervical mucus can also provide insights. And even libido plays a role! “Often, there’s more desire for sex around ovulation—the LH hormone also causes a small testosterone wave,” says the expert.
When You Shouldn’t Stop
In some cases, quickly stopping the pill is not a good idea—especially if there are health risks. “Particularly with cycle-dependent migraines with aura, you should discuss with your gynecologist whether another contraceptive method—like a progestin-only pill or copper IUD—would be more sensible.”
Background: With estrogen-containing pills, the risk of strokes can be increased—a topic you should not take lightly.
Over 35? Then Your Ovaries Tick Faster
Are you over 35? Then don’t wait too long! “If you’re over 35, you should seek clarification after six months without pregnancy,” recommends Dr. Gößlinghoff. Because the egg reserve decreases—and with it, the likelihood of becoming pregnant quickly.
Extra tip: “Feel free to check your egg reserve even while on the pill—especially if you keep postponing the baby project.”
Dua Lipa Debuts New Spock-Style Haircut
When Should You Stop Taking the Pill if You Want to Conceive?
What Really Helps With Insomnia During Menopause?
Stopping the Pill for a Baby Wish? With a Clear Head and Good Gut Feeling!
Whether immediately or with lead time—the decision to stop the pill for a baby wish should fit your life. It’s important to support your body, listen to the signals, and not stress yourself out. And if it doesn’t work right away: there’s plenty of help available. Or, as Dr. Gößlinghoff says: “You have about a year to try spontaneously.” So: no stress, lots of love–and a good feeling.