Deciding if you want children can help you and your partner prepare for conception or choose suitable contraception methods.
If you already have children, there are other factors to consider before having another child. Are you and your partner financially prepared for another child? How will your children feel about sharing the attention with a sibling? How close would you want your children to be in age?
Risks Associated with Closely Spaced Pregnancies
Studies suggests that conceiving within six months of giving birth is linked to increased complication such as premature birth, low birth weight and risk of autism in second-born children. Closely spaced pregnancies may not give a mother sufficient time to recover. For instance, pregnancy and breastfeeding can reduce stores of nutrients. Getting pregnant before restoring those nutrients may adversely affect both you and your new-born’s health.
Risks Associated with Widely Spaced Pregnancies
Some research also suggests that long periods between pregnancies can link to preeclampsia, despite a mother not having any pre-existing history of the condition. It’s not determined why long pregnancy intervals may cause health problems but there is a likelihood that pregnancy enhances uterine capacity, which in turn promotes fetal growth, however these benefits deplete over time.
Ideal Pregnancy Interval
There’s no ideal schedule to plan for a baby though studies suggest a good interval is between 18 to 24 months, but less than five years. Women older than 35 may consider waiting 12 months before becoming pregnant again.
That being said, the aforementioned risks and recommendations do not apply to miscarriages., There’s no need to wait after a miscarriage, you may start conceiving whenever you are healthy and ready.
When planning your next pregnancy, you and your partner might consider various factors in addition to the health risks and benefits. Until you decide to have another child, use a dependable approach of birth control. Despite being careful, unplanned pregnancy can still happen. Exploring the available birth control options until you are ready and understanding the risks associated can help you make an informed decision about when to grow your family.
