Family planning is about deciding how many children you choose to have and when you want to have them (timing of pregnancies and birth spacing).
Contraceptive methods
Methods of contraception include:
- Oral contraceptive pills;
- Implants;
- Injectables;
- Patches;
- Vaginal rings;
- Intrauterine devices;
- Condoms;
- Male and female sterilization;
- Lactational amenorrhea method;
- Withdrawal and fertility awareness-based method.
These methods have different mechanisms of action and effectiveness in preventing unintended pregnancy.
Why Is Family Planning Important?
- Pregnancy complications can be minimized:
Family planning helps protect women from any health risks that may occur before, during, or after childbirth. These include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, infections, miscarriage, and stillbirth.
- Infant mortality rates can be cut down:
When a pregnancy is unplanned, ill-timed, or too closely spaced, it can affect the mother’s health which, in turn, affects the health and safety of her unborn child. An infant will have a greater risk of death and weak health if the mother dies while giving birth.
- People get educated and empowered:
When a couple or an individual is aware of their rights and are aware of what their options are, they can make sound decisions in life.
Family planning can help a couple or an individual decide on what’s best for their sexual and reproductive health. By carefully spacing pregnancies, a couple can build financial security, allowing them to raise a family that they can properly care for. A family that is properly cared for is a healthy family, and a healthy family is the foundation of a healthy community.