NEW research has shown that uptake of effective contraception in the postpartum period remains low in many settings, despite strong evidence that early access can improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes.
Postpartum Period Represents a Missed Opportunity
The postpartum period is a critical window for reproductive health intervention. Closely spaced pregnancies are associated with increased risks of maternal complications, preterm birth, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Clinical guidance recommends that contraception counselling and access should be offered soon after delivery to support informed family planning decisions.
However, the latest analysis suggests that many women do not receive adequate postpartum contraception support.
Study Design and Key Findings
The study analysed population-level healthcare data to assess contraception use within the first six months after childbirth. Researchers examined timing, method type, and access across different healthcare settings.
Results showed that a substantial proportion of women left maternity services without a clear contraception plan. Use of long-acting reversible contraception was particularly low, even among women who had expressed a desire to delay or avoid future pregnancies. Short-acting methods were more commonly used, but discontinuation rates were high within the first year after birth.
Barriers to Access and Equity Concerns
Several barriers to postpartum contraception uptake were identified, including limited counselling during antenatal care, lack of trained providers, and logistical challenges in accessing follow-up appointments. Structural inequalities also played a role, with lower uptake observed among younger women, those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, and those with limited access to primary care.
The findings highlighted that reliance on postnatal follow-up visits alone may be insufficient to meet contraceptive needs, particularly in the early weeks after delivery.
Implications for Reproductive Health Services
Experts noted that integrating contraception counselling and provision into maternity care could improve uptake and reduce unintended pregnancies. Immediate postpartum provision of long-acting methods, alongside patient-centred counselling, was highlighted as a potential strategy to address current gaps.
Improving postpartum contraception access aligns with broader reproductive health priorities promoted by organisations such as the World Health Organization, which emphasise informed choice and continuity of care across the reproductive life course.
Future Directions
The authors called for health system changes to ensure that contraception is discussed early, revisited throughout pregnancy, and readily available after birth. Further research is needed to evaluate which models of postpartum contraception delivery are most effective and acceptable to women.
Reference
WHO. Postpartum family planning and contraception use. 2026.
Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/family-planning-contraception. Last accessed: 19 January 2026.
