Effect of contraceptive choice on rapid repeat pregnancy

Objective: To describe the prevalence of rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP), defined as repeat pregnancy within 18 months of delivery, in a large health system and to determine the impact of contraceptive method on RRP. Study design: Retrospective cohort. Results: The prevalence of RRP among patients who delivered in August 2014 (n=804) was 27.2%. After controlling for age and sociodemographic characteristics, women experiencing RRP were less likely to have used long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24–0.85, p=.014; RRP in 19% of implant and 18% of IUD users)] and more likely to have been prescribed a progestin-only pill (aOR 5.106, 95% CI 2.157–12.083, p<.001; RRP in 53% of users) compared to women choosing all other reversible contraceptive methods. Conclusions: Postpartum LARC decreases the odds of RRP, while a prescription for progestin-only pills is not protective.