Unintended pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge in the 21st century. Up to 50% of all pregnancies are thought to be unintended at conception. Due to the rapid return of fertility and sexual activity, the postpartum period is high-risk for unintended pregnancy, and the need for effective contraception at this time has long been underestimated.
A short interpregnancy interval (defined as less than 12 months between childbirth and subsequent conception) is an independent risk factor for preterm birth, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth.
One of the key strategies to reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion at this time is already within our clinical armoury: long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). LARC is safe for use by most women,…