Abstract: There appear to be differences
in the health behaviors of women with
intended versus unintended pregnancy/
birth. This article advocates that it is
beneficial for childbirth professionals to
ask clients whether the pregnancy was
intended. With a negative response, additional
issues should be closely monitored
and explored: prenatal care, smoking, use
of alcohol, and illegal drugs. Women with
unintended births are more at risk for
preterm and low birthweight infants, and
postpartum depression. Postpartum they
are more likely to not breastfeed and to
plan poorly for parenthood, so education
on these topics is recommended.