Postpartum women are at risk of unplanned pregnancy with associated adverse outcomes This study was done with the purpose to better understand their contraceptive needs to improve delivery of services and prevent unplanned pregnancies.
It was a cross-sectional survey of women in the postnatal ward of an inner-city hospital that was done to determine their level of knowledge, intentions, and preferences regarding postnatal contraception.
272 women were surveyed. This included 86% of all women in the postnatal ward during the study period. 10% had never used any method of contraception previously and 22% had ever used a LARC method. 18% recalled a health professional speaking to them about contraception at any point during their pregnancy and 32% said they needed more information to decide on their postnatal contraceptive method.
The study concluded through its findings that almost half the women in our survey would welcome the provision of postnatal contraception, including LARC, in the postnatal ward but the women surveyed currently lack the knowledge to make informed choices in this setting. There is therefore a need for effective, tailored contraceptive choices discussions with every woman during pregnancy.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/45/2/111
