Contraception for the Postpartum Period
摘要
The postpartum period is an especially important time to access family planning options as up to 70% of pregnancies that occur within 12 months of delivery are unplanned. Interpregnancy intervals shorter than 12 months are associated with both maternal and neonatal complications including anemia, third-trimester bleeding, gestational diabetes, uterine rupture (for women who delivered via cesarean section in prior delivery), puerperal endometritis, preterm birth, low birth weight, infant death, and infants small for gestational age. WHO recommends an interval of at least 24 months between pregnancies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises women to avoid pregnancy within 6 months of a prior pregnancy and to inform women about the risks associated with an interpregnancy interval of shorter than 18 months. Unfortunately, women with comorbid conditions such as diabetes or obesity that pose potential health risks to both mom and baby are actually less likely to use contraception than those without these conditions.