Women’s health might be at risk due to getting pregnant soon after giving birth

According to a new study published in the journal Contraception, getting pregnant soon after giving birth is linked to an increased risk of health complications from both mother and baby. The new study also suggests that getting an IUD may be an important move for new mothers. The availability of Specific Medicaid reimbursement for an IUD or implant right after a woman gives birth has gone from 0 states to 19 states in the span of just three years. The se developments were necessary as previous researchers have suggested that between 40 and 60 per cent of low-income women who want an IUD or implant never make it to follow-up office appointments due to issues with childcare, transportation and other barriers. Another reason could be that getting an IUD or implant costs between $800 and $1000, which is quite expensive.

The author of study states,” A concerning number of states do not currently cover this service, despite its known effectiveness and cost savings,” the study authors write. Efforts to remove reimbursement barriers should focus on clearly communicating to policymakers the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of immediate postpartum LARC in women who desire it.”

Many patients still have a little information about IUDs and implants. A lot of the Medicaid providing agencies that don’t currently provide coverage for this specific service have expressed their concerns about immediate budget costs and potential health risks. On the other hand the agencies that decided to provide coverage reportedly did that for the health benefit of the mother and the child as well as overall cost-savings.

IUD is the short form for intrauterine contraceptive device and it can be a coil, loop, triangle or T in shape made of plastic or metal. An IUD is inserted into the uterus by a health care professional. Two types of IUDs have been approved by the UIS government, one of which can stay in one place for 10 years and the other one has to be replaced every year. Dr. Linda Bradley who is a gynecologist and Vice Chair of Obstetrics, Women’s Health Institute at Cleveland Clinic, said that the adoption of IUDs, in terms of patient knowledge, is very low in the US. She believes that this is a gap that doctors can fill, by telling patients that this is very safe and effective method of contraception. And conversations like these should begin at the very first parental visit.