Abstract
Understanding pregnancy intention is an important public health measure that captures
the ability of individuals to access information, resources, and services needed to
plan the timing and spacing of pregnancies. Pregnancy intention is a complex construct
impacted by social, emotional, financial, cultural, and contextual factors. In this
review, we will examine the range of available tools for individuals and populations
to evaluate pregnancy intention, the timing of the tools in relation to pregnancy,
their interpretation, and use for policy and practice. Traditionally, pregnancy intention
was only assessed in population health surveys; however, more sophisticated tools
and measures have been developed. These tools can be used at several time points:
before pregnancy, during pregnancy, or after the pregnancy has ended. It is important
to appreciate the varied contexts globally for women and their partners when assessing
pregnancy intention, and the ability of a given tool to capture this when used retrospectively
or prospectively. These tools can inform targeted delivery of services for a person
or couple before, during, and after pregnancy. This knowledge can inform strategies
at an individual, community, and population level as an indicator of access to sexual
and reproductive health information and knowledge and uptake of preconception health.
Keywords
pregnancy intention - pregnancy planning - unplanned pregnancy - preconception - psychometric
measure - measurement
