Association Between Emotional Intimate Partner Violence Around the Time of Pregnancy and Postpartum Contraceptive Use: Results from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System 2016-2021

Violence Against Women. 2024 Dec 19:10778012241303468. doi: 10.1177/10778012241303468. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

This study assessed the relationships between emotional intimate partner violence (IPV) before, during, and after pregnancy and postpartum contraceptive use. We used 2016-2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data from seven sites (n = 30,125). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess indicators of emotional IPV and provider counseling associated with postpartum contraceptive use. Emotional IPV 12 months before, during, and after pregnancy were all significantly associated with reduced odds of postpartum contraceptive use. Strengthening postpartum contraceptive services by integrating IPV prevention into care is an opportunity to improve the health of postpartum people.

Keywords: intimate partner violence; maternal health; postpartum family planning; pregnancy.