Factors related to planned and unplanned pregnancies.
BACKGROUND
Given the efficacy of most contraceptive options, it is of concern that most pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. Besides reducing the woman's and family's preparedness for parenting, unplanned pregnancies are at higher risk for inadequate prenatal care, perinatal morbidity, and significant postnatal problems. Little is known about the factors responsible for the high rates of unplanned pregnancy.


METHODS
One hundred ten pregnant women were surveyed to examine factors relating contraception to unplanned pregnancy.


RESULTS
Sixty-five percent of pregnancies were unplanned. There was a statistically significant association between having unplanned pregnancies and being single or divorced. Women who had planned their pregnancies tended to be more satisfied with contraceptives. In sexual encounters, women with unplanned pregnancies were more likely to use no contraception or to practice "withdrawal" or use condoms rather than hormonal contraception; to be influenced by their partner regarding birth control use; and to forget to use contraception.


CONCLUSIONS
All women of childbearing age who are sexually active can benefit from planning pregnancies. Counseling that accesses a woman's expectations regarding birth control, followed by a careful explanation of the side effects of a contraception choice, may reduce the rate of unplanned pregnancy. Counselling the male partner or sexually active men in contraceptive options may be equally important. Understanding factors that result in satisfaction with contraception may reduce unplanned pregnancies.
Rosenfeld
J A
JA
East Tennessee State University, Department of Family Medicine 37621, USA.
Everett
K D
KD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003267:Contraception / Q000523:psychology; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology; D012847:Single Person; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013714:Tennessee
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal