Postpartum Visit Attendance Increases the Use of Modern Contraceptives

Abstract

Background. Delays in postpartum contraceptive use may increase risk for unintended or rapid repeat pregnancies. The postpartum care visit (PPCV) is a good opportunity for women to discuss family planning options with their health care providers. This study examined the association between PPCV attendance and modern contraceptive use using data from a managed care organization. Methods. Claims and demographic and administrative data came from a nonprofit managed care organization in Virginia (2008–2012). Information on the most recent delivery for mothers with singleton births was analyzed (N = 24,619). Routine PPCV (yes, no) and modern contraceptive use were both dichotomized. Descriptive analyses provided percentages, frequencies, and means. Multiple logistic regression was conducted and ORs and 95% CIs were calculated. Results. More than half of the women did not attend their PPCV (50.8%) and 86.9% had no modern contraceptive use. After controlling for the effects of confounders, women with PPCV were 50% more likely to use modern contraceptive methods than women with no PPCV (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.31, 1.72). Conclusions. These findings highlight the importance of PPCV in improving modern contraceptive use and guide health care policy in the effort of reducing unintended pregnancy rates.

Maternal health care visits as predictors of contraceptive use among childbearing women in a medically underserved state in Nigeria

“…In addition, the integration of FP services into maternal and child health services provides a unique opportunity to provide FP information and services to women [ 14 , 15 ]. The present study corroborates Akinlo et al [ 24 ] and Masho et al [ 18 ] who claim health care visit increases the use of modern contraceptives. In the present study, women who visit skilled facilities for antenatal care were over three times more likely to use modern contraceptive methods compared to women who do not.…”

“…Also, the evidence of increase uptake of FP services following integration of FP services into maternal and child health and HIV programmes [ 14 , 15 ] supports our proposition. In other words, there is evidence that postpartum visit attendance increases the use of modern contraceptives [ 18 ]. Skilled health workers (midwives and doctors) are the main source of contraceptive information in sub-Saharan Africa [ 19 ].…”

Does Postpartum Contraceptive Use Vary By Birth Intendedness?

“…First, to the extent that all women, regardless of birth intendedness, receive prenatal and postpartum care, they likely receive some level of family planning counseling. In fact, this is one of the goals of the postpartum care visit, and women who have such visits are more likely than others to use contraceptives . Second, new mothers with an unintended birth may be more motivated than others to avoid a subsequent birth, at least in the short term.…”

“…In fact, this is one of the goals of the postpartum care visit, and women who have such visits are more likely than others to use contraceptives. 21,38 Second, new mothers with an unintended birth may be more motivated than others to avoid a subsequent birth, at least in the short term. Mothers with intended births are likely to feel prepared to meet the needs of parenting an infant and to be in a family-building stage, whereas mothers with an unintended birth may view the birth as highly disruptive to educational, occupational or relationship statuses and goals.…”

Demand for family planning satisfied with modern methods and its associated factors among married women of reproductive age in rural Jordan: A cross-sectional study

“…postpartum period than those who did not attend [37]. In 2016, the Jordanian Ministry of Health introduced a new regulation to the effect that mothers who do not practice LAM should start contraception after 21 days of delivery to avoid unintended pregnancies [38].…”