A study published in BMC Public Health highlights the emotional fertility intentions of women one year after giving birth in Ethiopia. It found that 64.87% of women reported feeling unhappier about the prospect of another pregnancy, while 17.12% felt mixed emotions and 4.63% felt very happy. The research analyzed data from 1,703 non-pregnant women, focusing on their emotional health and communication with partners during the postpartum period. It emphasized the importance of reproductive health rights and decision-making autonomy for women.

The study revealed that women who used contraceptives reported lower odds of unhappiness regarding future pregnancies. Conversely, women with higher birth orders or who did not wish for more children showed decreased emotional fertility intention. The findings suggest that enhancing access to postpartum contraceptives and improving decision-making around reproductive health can positively influence women’s emotional well-being. The study advocates for increased awareness and availability of contraceptive services and mental health support for postpartum women, which could ultimately reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality rates.