Unintended pregnancy and interpregnancy interval by maternal age, National Survey of Family Growth.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The relationship between unintended pregnancy and interpregnancy interval (IPI) across maternal age is not clear.

Methods

Using data from the National Survey of Family Growth, we estimated the percentages of pregnancies that were unintended among IPI groups (<6, 6-11, 12-17, 18-23, 24+ months) by maternal age at last live birth (15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-44 years).

Results

Approximately 40% of pregnancies were unintended and 36% followed an IPI<18 months. Within each maternal age group, the percentage of pregnancies that were unintended decreased as IPI increased.

Conclusion

Unintended pregnancies are associated with shorter IPI across the reproductive age spectrum.

SUBMITTER: Ahrens KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6379777 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature