The Effect of Combined Antenatal and Postnatal Counselling on Postpartum Modern Contraceptive Use: Prospective Case-Control Study in Kocaeli, Turkey

Introduction: The integration of family planning education into obstetric care has been suggested to increase postpartum contraception use. However, ideal time and type of counseling is controversial. There is no prospective study about combining prenatal and postnatal education on the postpartum modern contraceptive use (PPMC). Aim: This study was aimed to explore the effects of the addition of postpartum contraceptive counselling to antenatal education on PPMC. Materials and Methods: Family planning counselling was given to all participating patients throughout antenatal care (ANC) via brief communications. After delivery, the women were categorised into two age-matched groups with a 1:1 allocation ratio in the order of the birth date. No further intervention was performed for Group I (n: 98). Women in Group II (n: 102) received further contraceptive education at six weeks after hospital discharge. Six months after delivery, PPMC was compared between the two groups. Results: PPMC was similar between Group I and II (p>0.05). Previous contraceptive experiences, obstetric care service intensity and partner's support were the factors related to postnatal contraceptive use. Logistic regression analysis showed that PPMC was independent of confounding factors in each group. Conclusion: The addition of postnatal counseling to antenatal one did not further increase PPMC. The results of this study suggested that family planning counseling should be provided antenatally.