Progestogen-only contraceptives during lactation: I. Infant growth
Health Organization Task Force for Epidemiological Research on Reproductive Health; Special Programme of Research.; World; Development; Research Training in Human Reproduction
Contraception Stoneham 50(1): 35-53
1994
DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(94)90079-5Document Number: 287749
Growth, development and health of infants whose mothers used progestogen-only contraceptives during lactation were examined in a prospective, non-randomized study carried out in 7 centres in 5 countries (Egypt, Thailand, Kenya, Chile and Hungary). The results concerning infant growth are reported here. Breast-feeding women who had requested effective contraception were admitted to the study at 6 weeks post partum. The groups investigated comprised infants whose mothers had accepted progestogen-only methods (pill, DMPA, NET-EN or NORPLANTReg. implants) or non-hormonal methods (intra-uterine devices, barrier methods or sterilization). Follow-up was at monthly intervals until the end of the 1st post-partum year. 2466 mother-infant pairs participated in the study. The mean duration of breast-feeding varied from 68 to 159 days, but did not differ significantly between groups within centres. The mean rates of change of anthropometric measures (wt, arm circumference and triceps skinfold) varied over time as expected and between centres. However, there were few statistically significant differences in these rates of change within centres. As a large number of statistical comparisons were made and there was no consistency either across centres, over time or in the direction of the differences, it was concluded that, in this study, the progestogen-only contraceptives used during lactation did not adversely affect infant growth.
Document emailed within 0-6 h
