Postpartum contraception needs of women with preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate postpartum contraception experiences of mothers with premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), their knowledge of risk factors for preterm delivery and their interest in a family planning clinic located near the NICU. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional survey of English or Spanish-speaking women 18 or older whose premature neonate had been in the NICU for 5 days or more in a current stable condition. RESULTS: A total of 95 women were interviewed at a median of 2.7 weeks postpartum (range 0.6-12.9). Approximately 75% of women were currently using or planning to use contraception, with 33% using less effective methods. Half of women reported they would obtain contraception at a family planning clinic near the NICU. Only 32% identified a short interpregnancy interval as a risk factor for preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: Lack of knowledge of short interpregnancy interval as a risk factor for a future preterm delivery highlights the need to address postpartum contraception education and provision in this high-risk population.