A short animation encouraging women to think about postnatal contraception was launched recently by Women's Health Minister, Maree Todd MSP. 

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and NHS Lothian worked together to produce the two minute Postnatal Contraception Animation, which will be provided to women as part of the pre-natal maternity pathway across Scotland. 
 
The animation explains why it’s beneficial for expectant women to consider postnatal contraception as part of their routine birth plan. It also highlights how the timing of decisions around contraception can help plan for healthy future pregnancies. 

Dr Janine Simpson, Consultant Community Sexual and Reproductive Health, at NHSGGC'S Sandyford Sexual Health Service, which is hosted by Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), said: “We know that fertility can return as early as 21 days following delivery and that an inter-pregnancy interval of less than 12 months is associated with an increased risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight.”

A recent Scottish study reported that almost one in 13 presenting for an abortion or delivery had conceived within a year of a previous birth.1

Dr Simpson continued: “The need for contraception returns again as soon as three weeks after your baby is born, so ideally starting the sooner the better is best. Your midwife will discuss contraception with you during one of your antenatal visits. Staff in the hospital, or community, will make sure you can get your chosen method easily and quickly, to allow you to start it as soon as you have your baby. There are many very effective and safe methods of contraception that are ideal for women who have just had a baby and want to space their pregnancies or have long term contraception. Many can also be used while breastfeeding.”

As well as being incorporated into routine antenatal care, this animation is ideal for use in other areas including primary care, perinatal mental health and medical specialties such as cardiology.

This animation has also been translated into Polish and Urdu, with further languages to follow. 
 
Further evaluation on the impact of the animation is planned, including recall of the key messages via the animation and supporting factsheet/webpages.
 
The animation, along with more information on contraception after pregnancy can be found on the Sandyford website and will be on NHS Inform. 
 
1.    FSRH Clinical Guideline: Contraception After Pregnancy (January 2017, amended October 2020) - Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare