My husband and I are trying to have a baby. I had my last Depo shot for birth control eight months ago. I did not have a period during the time I was getting the shot, and I still do not have one. My doctor said I can still become pregnant even though I don't have a period, but a book I have said I can't get pregnant without a period. Which is true?

Taunya

You may ovulate -- and therefore conceive -- before you have a period. Because you may not have a period to warn you that you are fertile, make sure you are already taking folic acid (0.4-0.8mg/day). Also, if you have any symptoms that may be due to pregnancy (nausea, breast tenderness, funny pelvic fullness), be sure to take a pregnancy test!

It is not unusual, by the way, to not have periods on DepoProvera and for it to take a while for normal cycles to resume. It may take up to one year after the last shot for fertility to be restored. Usually, we give you a year before intervening. If you do not start your periods again by then, your gynecologist may be able to give you a "jump-start."