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No. If a woman has been counseled and has made an informed choice of female sterilization, no waiting period should be required. However, if it does not pose a barrier to access and the woman is using another contraceptive method so that she is not at risk of pregnancy, it is often beneficial for the woman to have time to think about her decision.
For cases associated with delivery (post-vaginal delivery, postpartum or concurrent with cesarean section), it is recommended that counseling occur well in advance of delivery, wherever possible, to minimize the chances of regret following the decision. If counseling cannot be provided in the antenatal period, it may be provided in the immediate postpartum period once the woman is past the major stress of labor and delivery and has no residual effects of anesthesia or sedatives.
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For postpartum minilaparotomy, counseling should take place well in advance of delivery, at a time when the woman is under minimal stress. During counseling, the woman should be told that if she changes her mind or if the condition of the baby is unstable, she can choose not to have the sterilization after giving birth. If she will give birth away from the hospital, she should be counseled that she must come to the hospital within seven days (preferably within 48 hours) or wait until at least four to six weeks after delivery for an interval procedure. If FP counseling has not been provided during the antepartum period, it should be included in postpartum services.
- Neamatalla GS, Harper PB. Family planning counseling and voluntary sterilization. New York: AVSC International, 1990.
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