Innovations in post-pregnancy contraception

Evidence indicates that regardless of how a pregnancy ends (birth, abortion, miscarriage, ectopic), that ovulation resumes quickly in most cases. Those who are sexually active soon afterwards therefore require an effective method of contraception to avoid an unintended pregnancy. Yet, lack of knowledge on contraceptive options or when they can or should be initiated can be barriers to starting a method. For those who have given birth the requirements of looking after a newborn and recovering from delivery adds to existing barriers of accessing a chosen method after pregnancy. It is vital therefore that access to contraception can be facilitated for women to start immediately post pregnancy. this chapter will outline some initiatives to empower individuals to choose contraception for following a pregnancy and also innovations to help them access that method.