The effects of unintended pregnancy on infant, child, and parental health: a review of the literature.
This article provides a critical review of studies assessing the effects of unintended pregnancy on the health of infants, children, and parents in developed and developing countries. A framework for determining and measuring the pathways between unintended pregnancy and future health outcomes is outlined. The review highlights persistent gaps in the literature, indicating a need for more studies in developing countries and for further research to assess the impact of unintended pregnancy on parental health and long-term health outcomes for children and families. The challenges in measuring and assessing these health impacts are also discussed, highlighting avenues in which further research efforts could substantially bolster existing knowledge.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Room E4008, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. jgipson@jhsph.edu
Jessica D
JD
Gipson
Michael A
MA
Koenig
Michelle J
MJ
Hindin
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007229:Infant Welfare; D010290:Parents; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted