Contraception after childbirth in the UK: beyond the COVID-19 pandemic

Due to the rapid return of fertility and sexual activity after delivery combined with increased difficulty accessing services, the postpartum period presents a particular risk for unintended pregnancy.1 Fractured commissioning of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in some regions of the UK, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic, have further reduced community-based contraceptive access.

The impact of this unmet contraceptive need can be seen in a number of ways. Studies indicate that up to 97% of women do not wish to become pregnant again in the year following childbirth.1 2 However, many women are unaware of how quickly they can conceive, and which contraceptive methods are safe to use at this time.2 Data from the UK suggests that at least 1 in 13 women access abortion services within the year after childbirth, and one in eight parous women conceive and continue another pregnancy…

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