Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The use of contemporary contraceptive methods rose from 31% to 46% over the past 20 years.The present study evaluated the effect of combined antenatal and postnatal counselling on postpartum modern contraceptive use. Materials & Methods: of 124 pregnant women at more than 24 weeks of gestation were divided into 2 groups. Group I (only prenatal education group). Women in Group II were given additional contraceptive education at six weeks after hospital discharge (both antenatal and postnatal education). Results: Maternal age <30 years was seen in 52% in group I and 59% in group II, >30 years in 48% in group I and 41% in group II, previous births 0-1 in 38% and 46%, 2-4 in 53% and 52%, >4 in 9% and 2% in group I and II respectively, previous abortions in 0-1 in 94% and 93%, >2 in 6% and 7% in group I and II respectively, education was primary in 62% and 70% and high in 38% and 30% in group I and II respectively. 42% in group I and 36% in group II were employed. The difference was non- significant (> 0.05). Contraceptive methods used before pregnancy was modern seen in 46% and 48%, traditional in 30% and 30% and no method in 24% and 22% in group I and II respectively. After pregnancy wasmodern seen in 49% and 63%, traditional in 42% and 35% and no method in 9% and 2% in group I and II respectively. The difference was non- significant (> 0.05). Conclusion: All pregnant women should get family planning information during prenatal care. Even after pregnancy, neither group's contraceptive techniques had changed.