UC Davis

Objectives

To determine progestin-only pill (POP) use at 3 and 6 months postpartum among women who chose POPs at the postpartum visit.

Study design

Secondary data analysis of a prospective observational study with telephone interviews at 3 and 6 months postpartum to assess contraceptive use.

Results

Of 440 women who attended the postpartum visit, 92 (20.9%) chose POPs. Current POP use was 44/84 (52.4%) at 3 months, 33/76 (43.4%) at 6 months, and 32/76 (42.1%) at both 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments.

Conclusion

About half of women who plan POP use at the postpartum visit are not using this method at 3 months after delivery.

Implications

About half of women with a prescription for progestin-only pills will be not using this method at 3 months postpartum; further understanding of continued sexual activity and breastfeeding may clarify pregnancy risk for those not reporting modern contraception use during the postpartum period.