Women's Health Behaviors with Unintended Pregnancy and Births
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Originally Published In
International Journal of Childbirth Education
Volume Number
31
Issue Number
3
Page Numbers
37-39
Abstract
There appear to be differences in the health behaviors of women with intended versus unintended pregnancy/ birth. This article advocates that it is beneficial for childbirth professionals to ask clients whether the pregnancy was intended. With a negative response, additional issues should be closely monitored and explored: prenatal care, smoking, use of alcohol, and illegal drugs. Women with unintended births are more at risk for preterm and low birthweight infants, and postpartum depression. Postpartum they are more likely to not breast feed and to poorly plan for parenthood, so education on these topics is recommended.
