Effective Professional Counseling Increases Postpartum Contraceptive Use Among Women

A recent study conducted by University College London highlights the critical role of quality contraceptive counseling in postpartum women’s reproductive health. The research found that over half of women who had recently given birth were not using contraception two months after delivery, despite the potential health risks associated with rapid successive pregnancies. The study, published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, emphasizes that women who received satisfactory contraceptive advice from healthcare professionals were more likely to initiate contraceptive methods sooner after childbirth.

The findings stem from the 2023 Women’s Reproductive Health Survey in England, which involved responses from over 2,000 women who had given birth within the past year. Although 73% of these women were using contraception, 58% had not started using it within the crucial first two months postpartum. Furthermore, while most women received contraceptive guidance during pregnancy, only about half expressed satisfaction with the advice they received, leading to delays in starting contraception.

Experts stress that postpartum contraceptive counseling should not be limited to routine check-ups around six to eight weeks after birth. Since many women resume sexual activity earlier and pregnancy can occur as early as three weeks postpartum, timely counseling is vital. High-quality counseling ensures women have the information and support needed to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, increasing the likelihood of contraception use during this critical period.

The research also reported that women who felt satisfied with their contraceptive advice were significantly more likely to start contraception within two months after delivery. This underscores the importance of comprehensive, patient-centered counseling, which can help prevent unplanned or closely spaced pregnancies that may pose health risks such as premature birth or low birth weight. Spacing pregnancies at least 18 months apart allows for adequate physical and emotional recovery, improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

The study examined various factors including employment, education, financial stability, and marital status, and how these influenced contraceptive use and satisfaction with counseling. Overall, the findings support recommendations from the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, advocating for standardized, high-quality contraception counseling as part of maternity care to promote better reproductive health and decision-making.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-good-professional-advice-women-contraception.html