Post-pregnancy contraception

Good contraception care after pregnancy can remove barriers to accessing contraception and reduce future unintended pregnancy. While most methods can be started safely in the immediate post-pregnancy period, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, there are some specific considerations that may influence their use post-pregnancy. This review summarises the current evidence and recommendations around post-pregnancy contraception following abortion, childbirth and early pregnancy loss (miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy), highlights practical considerations and identifies gaps for future research.

Fertility can return very quickly following an abortion, childbirth or an early pregnancy loss. Without contraception, women can experience a pregnancy shortly after these episodes, which is often not what they intend. Having the opportunity to discuss future fertility plans and contraceptive options during these pregnancy episodes can empower women to start their chosen method of contraception early, reducing the need to attend appointments to do this later and the possibility of experiencing an unintended pregnancy.