Ambivalent perceptions towards a prospective pregnancy among contraceptive users in Honduras

Ilene S. Speizer, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Janine Barden-Ofallon, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Laili Irani, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Jessica Levy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

This paper describes ambivalence towards a future pregnancy and change in pregnancy desires over time among current contraceptive users. Data come from a panel study conducted in Honduras from October 2006–December 2007. 633 women aged 15-44 years were interviewed at baseline and follow-up, and have non-missing information. At baseline and follow-up, women were asked how much of a problem it would be if they got pregnant in the next couple of weeks. At follow-up, over half the women (52%) said that it would be no problem if they got pregnant. Almost half (n=308) the women changed their perceptions between baseline and follow-up. Common reasons for reporting no problem among users were that they accepted a child as God’s will or blessing, their last child was old enough, and they wanted another child. Ambivalence toward a pregnancy is common among effective family planning users and can change over time.