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Immediate postnatal contraception: what women know and think
Annette Thwaites1, Louise Logan2, Anthony Nardone2
1King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health
|November 23, 2018
Summary
Postpartum women desire contraception, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), before hospital discharge. However, many lack knowledge for informed choices, highlighting a need for better education during pregnancy and integrated postnatal services.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal Health
- Contraception
Background:
- Postpartum women face risks of rapid-repeat pregnancies and unplanned births.
- Adverse outcomes for both mother and child are associated with rapid-repeat pregnancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess contraceptive needs and preferences of postpartum women.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for postnatal contraceptive uptake.
- To inform improvements in service delivery for preventing unplanned pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a postnatal ward.
- 272 women were surveyed over a 6-week period in June-July 2017.
- The survey assessed knowledge, intentions, and preferences regarding postnatal contraception.
Main Results:
- 10% of women had never used contraception; 22% had used long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).
- Only 18% recalled discussing contraception during pregnancy; 32% desired more information.
- 54% believed LARC was unsafe postpartum (71% if breastfeeding), yet 47% preferred obtaining contraception before discharge and 46% would accept LARC if deemed safe.
Conclusions:
- Nearly half of surveyed women are receptive to postnatal contraception, including LARC, provided on the ward.
- A significant knowledge gap exists among women regarding postnatal contraceptive methods.
- Effective, tailored contraceptive counseling during pregnancy and integrated postnatal provision are crucial.
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