Preventing Unintended Pregnancy during the Zika Virus Outbreak

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly and other severe brain defects. Zika virus has also been linked to a number of other poor pregnancy outcomes. Avoiding or delaying pregnancy during a Zika virus outbreak is a way to reduce the number of pregnancies affected by Zika virus.

How to Prevent Unintended Pregnancy

If you decide that now is not the right time to have a baby, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about ways to prevent pregnancy. If you are sexually active, the best way to prevent unintended pregnancy is to use an effective form of birth control [PDF – 1 page] correctly and consistently every time you have sex. It is important to find a type of birth control that is safe, effective, and works for you.

For information on types of reversible birth control, visit CDC’s contraception webpage.