Unwanted Pregnancy

Definition:

An unintended pregnancy is a pregnancy that is either unwanted, such as the pregnancy occurred when no children or no more children were desired. Or the pregnancy is mistimed, such as the pregnancy occurred earlier than desired

Causes:

• contraceptive failure
• Non-use of contraceptive services
• Less commonly rape

Factors associated with unintended pregnancy:

• Younger age
• Relationship status
• Lower income
• Minority racial background/ethnicity
• Lower education level
• Non-consensual intercourse

Public health implications:

• Unintended births
• Missed opportunities for preconception care
• Late initiation of prenatal care
• Maternal mental health
• Relationship stress
• Substance use during pregnancy
• Increased rates of preterm birth and low birth weight
• Decreased bonding with infant
• Increased rates of child neglect and abuse
• Poorer long-term developmental outcomes
• Induced abortions
• Maternal deaths

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