Frequency of Unwanted Pregnancy and its Causes in Mothers Referring to the Selected Hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2018

Background: Unwanted pregnancy is a global problem that exists in all societies, regardless of their degree of development. Unwanted pregnancy is a global health problem with negative consequences for family and community. Women with unwanted pregnancies, due to unpleasant feelings during pregnancy, are at increased risk of hypertension, abortion, premature delivery and low birth weight infants. Methods: This analytical- cross sectional, epidemiological study (2018) was conducted on 84 pregnant women with unwanted pregnancy that referred to Hafez and Shooshtari health centers in Shiraz. Data were collected using Demographic Information Questionnaire, Fertility Profile and Informed Consent form. Data was analyzed by Spss and descriptive statistics. Results: According to the findings, 10.7% cases of unwanted pregnancies were unwanted by women, 4.8% were unwanted by men and 83.3% were unwanted by both couples. Causes of unwanted pregnancy included having enough children (23.8%), child s upbringing problems (2.4%), failure of pregnancy prevention methods (38.1%), infertility (3.6%) or all of above mentioned factors(31%).Conclusion: Considering the myriad effects of unwanted pregnancies, the need for more attention to the safe pregnancy in these women should be taken into consideration by health and therapy planners. In addition, multiple counseling sessions for couples and training for men should be considered as a part of the country s training programs.