There is also some theoretical concern regarding the association between CIC use up to 3 weeks postpartum and risk of thrombosis in the mother. In the first 6 months postpartum, use of CICs during breastfeeding diminishes the quantity of breast milk, decreases the duration of lactation, and may thereby adversely affect the growth of the infant. Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis are essentially normalized by 3 weeks postpartum. CICs may be started immediately post-abortion. CIC use may, like COC use, provide protection against ectopic pregnancy.
Obesity is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism.
However, in some settings blood pressure measurements are unavailable. In many of these settings, pregnancy morbidity and mortality risks are high, and CICs may be one of the few methods available. In such settings, women should not be denied use of CICs simply because their blood pressure cannot be measured. For all categories of hypertension, classifications are based on the assumption that no other risk factors for cardiovascular disease exist. When multiple risk factors do exist, risk of cardiovascular disease may increase substantially.