Postpartum contraceptive choices

• Published in: The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care Vol. 17; p. S116
• Main Authors: Vasiliu, C, Grigoriu, C, Albu, S, Nicolicea, V, Virtej, I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Carnforth Taylor & Francis Ltd 01.06.2012
• Subjects: Birth control; Counseling; Family planning; Postpartum period; Preferences; Prenatal care; Bucharest Romania
• ISSN: 1362-5187; 1473-0782

The postpartum period is ideal for providing contraception and contraceptive education. Initiation of contraception during this period is important to prevent unintended pregnancies and short birth interval, especially for women with caesarean section. The prenatal visits are good opportunities for contraceptive counselling and information. The aim of the study was to estimate the contraceptive choices and preferences in the postpartum period of the patients who were counselled during the prenatal period. This was a retrospective study of 1426 patients who received prenatal care at The University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest and presented after birth to the family planning department of the hospital for postpartum contraception, between 1 December 2011 and 31 December 2011. All the patients were informed and counselled about contraception and contraceptive options during the prenatal visits. Fifteen of these patients (1%) had a tubal ligation at their second or third caesarean section. From the remaining 1411 cases, 673 (47%) wanted hormonal contraception: 459 (32%) received progestative-only pills because they were breast feeding or had a contraindication for estrogens, 214 (15%) were given oral combined contraceptives because they were not breast-feeding. A total of 487 patients (34%) desired an IUD (163 a Mirena system, 324 a Copper T IUD) and 251 (17.6%) preferred barrier or natural methods of contraception. Women who had had a caesarean section preferred a safer and more compliant method of contraception. The barrier methods were preferred by lactating women who had had a vaginal birth. Non-lactating women desired effective contraceptive methods. Patients who received contraceptive advice and information during the prenatal period seek postpartum contraception more than the other patients. The postpartum contraception must be individualised according to the patient needs and desires. Non-lactating women and patients with caesarean section need a safer method of contraception in the postpartum period.