Australian women's experiences and perceptions of interconception care: a qualitative descriptive study.

Background: Interconception, the time between pregnancies, is an opportunity to improve the health outcomes of women, infants and subsequent pregnancies. Interconception care involves the assessment of previous pregnancy outcomes, management of maternal risk factors, advice regarding optimal pregnancy spacing, and postpartum contraception provision. However, there is no consistent provision of interconception care, and limited understanding of consumer perspectives. This study aims to describe Australian women's perceptions and experiences of interconception care.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive semi-structured interview study was undertaken in July 2022 with women of reproductive age who had given birth to at least one child with intention to have another child. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted and the standards for reporting qualitative research informed the writing of this study.

Results: From 15 participants, analysis identified two major themes: (1) women's lack of engagement with interconception care services; and (2) difficulties accessing interconception care. All participants were unfamiliar with interconception terminology, but most perceived it as a distinct care need, largely accessed in primary healthcare settings. Participants wanted further support to be initiated by healthcare professionals about issues such as breastfeeding, postpartum care and lifestyle risk reduction. Interconception care availability and content was perceived as inconsistent, ineffective and provided opportunistically. Participants outlined the need for improved consumer and healthcare professional interconception care awareness, education, and woman-centred continuity of care.

Conclusions: Interconception care awareness is needed by women and healthcare professionals to better meet the needs of women during this life stage.