For new mothers who received government sponsored health insurance, it’s becoming easier to get intrauterine devices (IUDs) implanted immediately after giving birth, according to studies.
Right after a woman delivers a baby, inserting an intrauterine device (IUD) or long-term contraceptive implant may seem like an oddly-timed procedure.
However, according to a new study in the journal Contraception published on October 6, more states are offering this option through Medicaid programs.
As postpartum women have a high risk of unintended pregnancy and many low-income mothers do not have the resources to get their preferred method of contraception after giving birth, a group of experts commended this move.
In just three years, researchers from the University of Michigan Health System uncovered that specific Medicaid reimbursement for an IUD or implant right after a woman gives birth has gone from being unavailable to being easily available in 19 states. An additional 8 also considering enhanced reimbursement.
Like many prescription contraceptives, IUDs are generally available through a doctor visit rather than as part of a hospital stay.They are T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus that is about the size of a quarter. It can prevent pregnancy by stopping the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs. The device can be used for several years provided the patient regularly sees her physician to have its integrity checked.
Insertion of IUDs are done either right after the delivery of the placenta at the end of the birthing process or upon the postpartum visit at least six weeks later.
Unplanned pregnancies come with a number of negative health impacts for both moms and babies, including the increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labor and stillbirth. However, complications that goes with the insertion of this device that women should look out for that includes serious infections and the possibililty for the device to be dislodged should not be disregarded as well.
