Pregnacy After a Tubal Ligation??

Updated on April 04, 2007
H.E. asks from Eugene, OR
8 answers

So, last November I had a baby. He was our fourth child and my boyfriend and I decided that he should be our last and that when I delivered by c-section, I would get a tubal ligation.
Well, that is exactly what happened. My tubes were cauterized right after my son was born. In January I started my period. I should mention that my menstrual cycle has ALWAYS been like clockwork. Every 28 days, always the end of the month, lasts for 3 – 4 days, you get the picture. I can depend on it; I have never missed it except for when I was pregnant. Even when I was breastfeeding, like I am now.
But now I am week late. I did not have a period in March. This all leads me to my question: Can I be pregnant after I had a tubal ligation????
I have researched it online and have read that it can happen but that it is rare. Has it happened to anyone here?
Like I said, I have four kids and I live on a tight budget. I am not willing to throw down any money for a pregnancy test for at least another week, but I wanted to find out what others have experienced.
Thanks!

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L.B.

answers from Richland on

This is a very framiliar situation. I had this scare about a month ago after having my tubes tied 1 year ago. I am not pregnant though. For me it was stress. It may have to do with breast feeding; I know my sister had missed periods when she was breast feeding. I wouldn't buy a pregnancy test since I doubt that is what is happening. I would talk to a doctor if you have any worries, but the tubal ligation is VERY protective. Hope this helps.

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S.R.

answers from Seattle on

I too would have to say that you are probably still adjusting. It can take a long time for your body to heal after surgery and baby! It is also possible for everything to be predictible after the first three children and completely throw you for a loop with the fourth (and beyond).

Not to say that it is impossible for you to be pregnant, and it would probably be a good idea to take a test and set your mind at ease. Dr's really don't worry about irregularity or spotting in between while you are breastfeeding.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.H.

answers from Portland on

You don't mention your age, but the fact that you are breast feeding could have a lot to do with it, even if it's never happened before. Also, they have pregnancy tests at Dollar tree...

1 mom found this helpful
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G.C.

answers from Portland on

There is always a possibility of getting pregnant after a tubal. Chances are though, that your body is just getting used to your surgery. I had a tubal 11 yrs ago. I had always had very regular period before. For the first year after my surgery, I had a period every 6 to 8 weeks. I was very paranoid every time this happened. After that, my body settled down and I have had very regular periods again.

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J.K.

answers from Portland on

after my kids were born my periods changed slightly, so it may be that your period is just messed up after the tubal. i've heard of ppl getting pregnant after a tubal, but it was usually the tie-off tubals and not the other one. i would wait a week or so, and then either buy a test or go into the doctor and have them do a test to see. depends on how much your copay is, it might be cheaper to just buy a test. and the dollar store has tests that i've heard work as long as you wait like 5 minutes. i've never used them just cuz they're from the dollar store lol. but its an option. good luck! i hope it works out the way you want.

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G.B.

answers from Portland on

Hi H. E,
I am a mom to 6 kids, all but one is grown and out of the house. I had a c-section with all my kids. my body reacted a little different after each one. After my 5th child I had my tubes tied, the a month later I had an infection in my abdomen and they had to remove one overie and both fallopian tubes. I still managed to get pregnant 18 years later. The doctor told me that my fallopian tube grew back...go figure. By the way I am in my late 40's with a 3 year old.

If I was you, I would wait a couple more weeks, relax in the mean time and then do a pregnancy test or see your doctor.

Good luck

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T.W.

answers from Medford on

go to planned parenthood they have free preg. test and if you are not preg. than you need to look into possibilyt of hormone change or you could just be around some one else who is preg. and doesn't know yet cause that can throw your cycle off. good luck

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C.K.

answers from Seattle on

I had the same thing happen this month. I also had a baby in November, had a tubal, and started my periods up afterwards. Well, I was late this last time. I was really concerned because most tubal pregnancies are etopic. Well, I finally took a preg. test and it was neg. Two days later I started. I think I was stressing it late. I think you should get a test if you are really concerned because if you are preg. you need to get to a Dr. right away. Otherwise, it might be stress.

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