Family planning includes preventing unwanted pregnancy and for married couples with children, it refers to an interval before getting pregnant again.

When it comes to birth spacing, pregnancy within 6 months to 1 year is taken as close interval and pregnancy after 5 years or more is taken as long interval. Close and far interval imposes side effects on mothers and babies more or less. Now Thiloyarmay will tell you about the best interval between pregnancies and the risk associated with birth spacing.

The risks of spacing pregnancies too close together-

1. Premature birth
2. The placenta partially or completely peeling away from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery
3. Low birth weight, congenital disorder and schizophrenia
4. Increase risk of autism
5. As mother doesn’t have enough time to recover from previous pregnancy before moving to next, there might be problem in breast feeding (no breast milk).

Risk associated with spacing pregnancies too far apart-

There aren’t many side effects concerning spacing pregnancies too far apart but there is the risk of preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys). Unlike other babies, babies who are born in long interval are at increased risk of obesity when they grow up.

What is the best interval between pregnancies?

Owing to the difficulties and health situations likely to face during pregnancy, doctors recommend waiting at least 18 months to 24 months between pregnancies. Moreover, it is best to have child less than five years after a live birth. Women who are over 35 might consider waiting 12 months before becoming pregnant again.

In marital life, couples should have a child only when both partners are ready. For couples, who are already a parent, you can be a healthy mom and baby only when you know how birth spacing can affect mother and baby.