Is Effective Contraceptive Use Conceived Prenatally in Florida? The Association Between Prenatal Contraceptive Counseling and Postpartum Contraceptive Use

The objective of this study is to describe the prevalence of postpartum contraceptive use among women experiencing a live birth in Florida in 2004–2005. To examine the association between family planning counseling during prenatal care visits and the use of effective contraceptive methods among postpartum women. Matched data from Florida PRAMS and Vital Statistics were used (n = 3,962). Weighted logistic regression was used to determine the association between prenatal family planning counseling and effective postpartum contraceptive use. Odds ratios were adjusted for use of contraception prior to pregnancy, well-baby checkup, race, ethnicity, nativity, education, marital status, poverty level, stress before or during pregnancy, and parity. Women who reported discussing family planning with their prenatal care provider were more likely to use effective contraception postpartum (AOR: 1.5, 1.1–2.0) compared to women who did not report a discussion. Women who used contraception prior to pregnancy (AOR: 2.3, 1.7–3.2) and women who experienced no stress before or during pregnancy (AOR: 2.0, 1.2–3.4) were also more likely to use contraception in the postpartum period. A significant interaction was identified between family planning counseling during prenatal visits and maternal education. Stratum specific odds ratios for women who received prenatal family planning counseling were significant for women with less than high school education (AOR: 2.5, 1.3–5.1) and for women with high school education (AOR: 2.0, 1.2–3.4). Women reporting family planning counseling during prenatal care were more likely to use effective contraception postpartum. While women with high school or less than high school education levels benefited from prenatal family planning counseling, the greatest benefit was observed for women with less than high school education. Integrating family planning counseling into prenatal care may increase the use of effective contraceptive methods among postpartum women.