Postpartum contraceptive counseling: starting prenatally to better guide patients’ decision making

Purpose of Project: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of provider-initiated prenatal contraceptive counseling and its impact on selection and documentation of a contraceptive method. The distribution of patient information material (PIM) was also evaluated. Methodology: A retrospective chart review was done to assess documentation of contraceptive counseling in the second or third trimesters, or during both times from February to April 2022. Results: A total of 90 charts were reviewed. The average age of women in the sample was 35, mostly married, and of gravida one and parity zero. More women received prenatal counseling in the third trimester than in the second, since more women presented in their third trimester at time of project initiation. However, the most significant impact was seen by second trimester counseling, where 91.7% of women selected a method of birth control, ?? (1, N = 90) = 36.402, p < .001. The distribution of PIM in the patient’s preferred language also produced statistically significant results in relation to the selection of a contraceptive method. The most frequently chosen method of birth control was the pill. Implications for Practice: Contraceptive counseling offered prenatally has the potential to assist women in the selection of a birth control method to use after giving birth. Providing health-related material tailored to patient’s literacy needs may have an impact on the ability to make informed decisions about one’s wellbeing. Both aspects play a crucial role in reducing the rate of unplanned pregnancies and optimizing interpregnancy intervals, thus allowing for the evolution of healthy pregnancies.D.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference