Correlates of unintended pregnancy in Beheira governorate, Egypt

Abstract

This study looked at the frequency and determinants of unplanned births among women in Beheira governorate, Egypt, and the effects on antenatal and postnatal care sought by the mother for herself and her child. Unintended births comprised 23.6%; 13.8% were unwanted and 9.8% were mistimed. Contraceptive failure accounted for 28.8% of unintended pregnancies; 47.1% of women who reported unintended pregnancy were not using [corrected] contraception. Age, education and parity were predictors of unwanted pregnancy. Contraceptive use and maternal employment status predicted mistimed pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy was a barrier to antenatal care, but not to child care. Our findings suggest that family planning programmes should help women of reproductive age achieve spacing and fertility limits.