Appeal for oral contraception in the immediate post-partum
Schebat, C.; Talbot, C.
Contraception Fertilite Sexualite 5(9): 711-716
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-861X PMID: 12308836 Document Number: 116549
The immediate postpartum use of oral contraceptives is discussed. There is much disagreement and many conflicting results of studies on the subject. Oral contraception is the most effective and satisfying contraceptive measure that can be used postpartum. The dosage of estrogen in oral contraceptives used postpartum should not be greater than 50 gammas. Oral contraception use can be begun from the 7th to the 10th day after delivery. Weight gain of 1-2 kg, infrequent metrorrhagia and spotting, temporary retardation of endometrial proliferation, and a shortening of the length of lactation are the most frequently reported side effects of postpartum oral contraceptive use. Changes in the hormonal content of the milk during lactation when using oral contraceptives are uncertain and seem to have no effect on the children. The risk of developing thromboembolic disorders is only slightly elevated if the estrogen dose is kept to 50 gammas. Postpartum use of oral contraceptives reduces mammary engorgement reduces lochia, hastens the involution of the uterus, and restores menstruation before the 6th week postpartum.