Differences in postpartum contraceptive choices and patterns following low- and high-risk pregnancy

To assess the impact of a high-risk pregnancy on postpartum contraceptive planning and use.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women who gave birth in a teaching hospital in 2020. We classified women into 2 groups based on their risk status according to the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO) tiers of contraceptive efficacy were used to categorize contraceptive planning and administration. The primary outcome was the utilization rate of Tier 1contraceptive methods at their postpartum visit in women with prior high-risk pregnancy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to determine the relationships between risk status, characteristics, contraceptive preference, and actual utilization.

This study included 788 low-risk and 482 high-risk postpartum women. High risk women indicated greater interest in (43.5% low-risk vs 52.2% high-risk, p < 0.01) and usage rates of (45.7% low-risk vs 54.3% high-risk, p = 0.01) Tier 1 contraception. The most commonly chosen contraceptive methods among low- and high-risk women were progestin-only pills (30.6%) and tubal ligation (36.4%), respectively. Uptake rates of immediate postpartum contraceptive implants did not differ between low (9.3%) and high-risk (11%) women (p = 0.32). Few patients adopted intrauterine devices (1.1%).

High-risk status was associated with intention to use and uptake of effective contraceptive methods, which persisted through the postpartum period.

To assist women in achieving the recommended interpregnancy intervals, counseling tailored to their individual risks and needs should be provided. Reasons for low intrauterine devices uptake should be explored. Postnatal care should include immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) services.