TY - JOUR T1 - Contraception after childbirth in the UK: beyond the COVID-19 pandemic JF - BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health JO - BMJ Sex Reprod Health SP - 82 LP - 84 DO - 10.1136/bmjsrh-2021-201310 VL - 48 IS - 2 AU - Michelle Cooper AU - Caroline J Free AU - Sharon Cameron Y1 - 2022/04/01 UR - http://jfprhc.bmj.com/content/48/2/82.abstract N2 - Due to the rapid return of fertility and sexual activity after delivery combined with increased difficulty accessing services, the postpartum period presents a particular risk for unintended pregnancy.1 Fractured commissioning of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in some regions of the UK, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic, have further reduced community-based contraceptive access.The impact of this unmet contraceptive need can be seen in a number of ways. Studies indicate that up to 97% of women do not wish to become pregnant again in the year following childbirth.1 2 However, many women are unaware of how quickly they can conceive, and which contraceptive methods are safe to use at this time.2 Data from the UK suggests that at least 1 in 13 women access abortion services within the year after childbirth, and one in eight parous women conceive and continue another pregnancy within the same time frame.1 The resulting short interpregnancy interval (defined as less than 12 months between birth and subsequent conception) is an independent risk factor for almost all pregnancy-related complications.3 Despite no-cost contraception in the UK, access to effective methods during the postpartum period is challenging. The need to attend multiple appointments can be difficult for new mothers balancing newborn care and childbirth recovery. Although a dedicated six-week postpartum health check for mothers has been introduced in England, … ER -