How Contraceptive Use Affects Birth Intervals: Results of a Literature Review

Abstract

Short birth intervals can have adverse consequences for maternal and infant outcomes. Optimal birth spacing is often presumed to be achieved through the practice of family planning and use of contraceptives, yet most of the available research does not address explicitly the contribution of contraceptive-method use to birth spacing or maternal and infant survival. We conducted a systematic literature review to assess the body of evidence linking contraceptive use to birth-interval length. Fourteen studies published in English between 1980 and 2008 met our eligibility criteria for inclusion. The findings from these studies are mixed but suggest that the use of contraceptives is protective against short birth intervals. Although results are favorable, many of the studies and methodologies employed are dated. More current research is needed to determine the impact of contraceptive-method use on birth-interval length in order to inform the promotion of family planning for reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality through birth spacing.

Effect of application of a Health Belief Model on changing mothers’ beliefs regarding birth spacing in rural areas

“…[14] Nurses are able to "encourage specific actions such as the initiation and continuation of using contraceptive methods [15] thus helping many women and couples avoid negative health outcomes associated with having babies too close together". [16] …”

Setting Research Priorities for Preconception Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Aiming to Reduce Maternal and Child Mortality and Morbidity

“…For some preconception interventions, such as folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects, the evidence base is strong [6], yet even in developed countries less than half of all women regularly consume folic acid supplements around the time of conception [7]. In other areas, such as intervals between pregnancies, the data shows significant risk in terms of excess maternal deaths, higher rates of prematurity and stillbirths, with short inter-pregnancy intervals 8,9; however, strategies to optimize birth spacing and increase contraceptive uptake are lacking [10]. Finally in women's health, violence against girls and women; unsafe abortions; alcohol and tobacco use; and harmful environmental exposures require further substantiation of magnitude of pre-pregnancy risk, and proof that prevention and management as part of preconception care will have greater impact than prenatal care alone.…”

Predictors of Time-to-Contraceptive Use from Resumption of Sexual Intercourse after Birth among Women in Uganda

“…However, in most developing countries, 2 International Journal of Population Research levels of contraceptive use have remained low. This has been attributed, among other factors, to poor health infrastructure and transportation facilities that hinder access to family planning services [11][12][13]. The situation is worsened by the high level of unmet need for family planning in these countries [14].…”