The Influence of Attitudes About Unintended Pregnancy on Use of Prenatal and Postpartum Care

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of feelings about pregnancy and consideration of abortion on late initiation of prenatal care and postpartum appointment.

STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary clinic in Detroit using a convenience sample comprised of 518 low-income pregnant and postpartum women with a large number of unintended pregnancies. A series of χ-squared analyses and logistic regression models were conducted to identify variables predictive of these outcomes.

RESULTS: Teenagers were 1.8 times more likely to initiate late prenatal care versus early care (p=0.05), and women who considered an abortion were 3.7 times more likely to initiate late prenatal care (p=0.01). Having considered abortion but deciding against it due to psychologic/moral reasons was protective against late initiation of prenatal care (OR=0.23; p=0.01). Multiparity was the only predictor of a missed postpartum appointment. Multiparous women were three times more likely to miss the appointment (p=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Success in improving early access to prenatal care will involve addressing the issue of unintended pregnancy. This challenge will require that health care providers assess feelings and values related to a pregnancy. Understanding women's feelings and values about the pregnancy will allow providers to more effectively assist with decision-making and positive pregnancy behaviors. In addition, community-based education related to family planning and the value of prenatal and postpartum care is needed to involve women's partners, family, and friends, because social support systems influence decisions regarding pregnancy behaviors.