22 Aug How Long Should I Wait to Get Pregnant Again: The Facts About Pregnancy Gap
Spacing between pregnancies is significant to the mother’s recovery and health. In addition, it gives way for the family to care for their child with full attention.
A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of British Columbia noted that pregnancy spacing should be at least one year between giving birth and getting pregnant again. It reduces health risks to both the mother and children.
Other researchers suggest waiting 18 to 24 months before going through another pregnancy, but it should not be more than 5 years after live birth to avoid any pregnancy complications.
Possible Health Risks for Close Pregnancy Spacing
The timing of your pregnancy can indicate your risk and your baby’s risk for several health concerns.
Some of the disadvantages of close pregnancy spacing include:
- Premature birth
- Placental abruption, which means that the placenta is partially or fully peeling away from the inner wall of the uterus before giving birth
- Low birth weight
- Maternal anemia
- Schizophrenia
- Congenital disorders
- preeclampsia
A study also found that children born after interpregnancy intervals of less than 12 months had two or three-fold increased autism spectrum disorders, as compared to those born after a pregnancy interval of 36 to 47 months.
Aside from the health risks for the infants, the mother’s body needs to recover to supply adequate nutrients when breastfeeding.
Advantages of Spacing Between Pregnancies
Spacing between pregnancies allows the mother to recover. Here are some of the benefits of pregnancy spacing:
- Lowers risks of maternal deaths
- More time and attention for your child
- Enough time to breastfeed
- Prepares the mother for the next pregnancy
However, the best spacing between pregnancies may vary depending on factors such as age, medical history, fertility, and personal preference. Talk to your doctor to know more about your options when it comes to starting your own family while ensuring a safe pregnancy.
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SOURCE:
https://www.unicef.org/uganda/key-practice-spacing-between-pregnancies
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/family-planning/art-20044072
https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/ppiud/maternal-mortality-globally