A Comparison of Short Interval vs. Routine Postpartum Visit on Contraceptive Initiation

The current postpartum care model of a single visit 4-6 weeks after delivery does not optimally address contraceptive needs. By this visit, many women have resumed sexual activity, potentially putting them at risk for unintended and rapid repeat pregnancy. In addition, many women with pregnancy-related Medicaid lose insurance coverage at this time, making it difficult to obtain long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) if desired. Therefore, an earlier postpartum visit may remove barriers to improve access to LARC thereby, reducing unintended and rapid repeat pregnancy. Our primary objective is to determine whether an additional 3-week postpartum visit, compared to usual postpartum care, will affect the initiation of LARC by 6 weeks postpartum.