Exploring and promoting the role of health visitors in postnatal contraception: a ‘test and learn project

Background

The antenatal and postnatal periods are ideal times to offer women information about contraception to support informed decision-making.1 The provision of timely advice and supported access to contraception aims to enable women to plan subsequent pregnancies and reduce unintended pregnancies and short interpregnancy intervals that are linked with poor pregnancy outcomes.2

Why was the project needed?

Some 45% of pregnancies and a third of births in the UK are unplanned or ambivalent with over a third of women reporting that they are unable to access contraception from their preferred source.3 Recent National Health Service (NHS) data show a significant rise in abortions, with an increasing proportion of abortions in women who have children.4 The need for timely postnatal information and support is also highlighted in the UK Women’s Health Strategy policy document.1

What is the health visitor’s role in the…

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