Pregnancy spacing

Pregnancy spacing (also known as the inter-partum interval) is how long the space or gap is between pregnancies and it is an essential part of family planning.  Some of you will be big fans of having your babies as close together as possible, while others will think that is some sort of madness. Regardless of what works best in your plan, it is important to know about the recommendations for spacing so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

What is the recommended spacing between pregnancies?

12 to 24 months from the time of your last birth.

Why is waiting 12 or more months recommended?

Spacing is important for both mother and baby, and for the mother it is not just physical recovery that’s needed, but mental recovery as well.  Many women feel pressure to “bounce back” after childbirth and to be fully recovered by 6 weeks postnatal and they may even need or chose to return to work soon after giving birth. However, this is not particularly realistic; sure, some women seem to manage, but they are the exception not the norm.  Most women need at least 12 months to recover and re-group after having a baby, and to be able to focus on and enjoy the new member of the family.

Physically, time is needed to replenish the mother’s store of essential nutrients, especially folate, iron, iodine, zinc and essential fatty acids that are reduced in pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.  Whether you had a vaginal birth or a caesarean birth, time is needed to heal and strengthen before the next pregnancy and birth.

Pregnancy within a year of giving birth is associated with an increased risk of:

• risk of preterm birth
• low birthweight, small gestational size
• maternal complications, including anaemia, placental abruption, thyroid issues
• congenital disorders
• perinatal anxiety and depression
• and one very tired and depleted mother

Pregnancies that are five or more years apart are also associated with some increased risks, just because nothing is simple!  It is not clear if this is more about ageing in general than reproductive issues (eg you have a higher risk for hypertension the older you are, and this may then increase the risk of pre-eclampsia), and it may be just as much to do with the accumulated physical, emotional and economic stressors of life.  If you are older, you may want to not wait a couple of years before trying again and 12 months may be a better goal.

Oh, and father or other parent also does better with at least 12 months between birth and the next pregnancy.