Timing for a second child: Is there an ideal interval between pregnancies?

As they say, there is never a ‘right time’ to get pregnant – sometimes it’s a matter of choice, sometimes it’s a matter of chance! While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against getting pregnant within 6 months of having your little one, if you do happen to do so, you just need to be aware of the risk factors for a short pregnancy and how to manage them.

Actors Debina Bannerjee and Gurmeet Choudhary, who welcomed their first child on April 3, 2022, a daughter they named Lianna, are expecting again! Just four months after giving birth to their daughter, they happily revealed that they had embraced parenthood again.

“Few decisions are divinely planned and nothing can change that…this is one such blessing…coming soon to complete us,” read Debina’s Instagram post on their Baby No. 2. During the “ask me anything” session, when the User mentioned: “Ma’am, since you are facing many problems in your first pregnancy, don’t you think that you should wait at least a year for your second child (sic)?”, she Debina asked: “What is your proposal in such a situation I call a miracle?” STOP?”

Well, if you are interested in the correct one during pregnancy, let us share some expert opinions.

Planning or awareness should include knowing the effects it could have on the mother’s body, and everything should be done to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

To understand everything about short pregnancy intervals, Health Shots got in touch with Dr. Sangeeta Gomes, Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Sarjapur, Bengaluru. She explained the risk factors of a short menstrual cycle and what is right pregnancy loss.

Gomes says, “Spacing pregnancies is an essential part of family planning. A closely spaced pregnancy can have a negative impact on the health of both mother and child. If you are planning to have another child, you need to know how spacing is related to a healthy pregnancy.”

What are the risk factors associated with a closely spaced pregnancy?

Spacing between pregnancies is an essential part of family planning, as it allows the mother to recover and prepare her body for another child. A closely spaced pregnancy can have negative consequences for the health of the mother and child. Here are some risk factors associated with it:

• Premature birth
• Congenital disorders
• Low birth weight
• Anemia in the mother
• Resignation of the placenta

Gomes says, “Furthermore, these types of pregnancies are closely associated with an increased risk of autism in second-born children. Pregnancies that last less than 12 months have the highest chances of developing such symptoms.

In addition, closely spaced pregnancies and breastfeeding they can deplete the mother’s nutritional reserves, which can affect your and your baby’s health.

How long should the couple wait?

Before you plan to have another baby, make sure that the mother’s body has properly recovered from the previous one pregnancy. dr. Gomes says: “To avoid pregnancy complications or other health problems, it is recommended to take a gap of 18 to 24 months. The interval should be less than 5 years, and couples over 35 should consider a 12-month interval between pregnancies.

Choosing when to have your first or second child is a personal choice. You should discuss this with your partner. And if you’re in good health, feel ready, and are approved by your doctor based on an assessment of your overall health, you don’t have to wait two years to get pregnant after giving birth. However, carefully weigh all the pros and cons.

What should you consider to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

To make sure your body is healthy enough for another pregnancy, you should see a doctor before you consider getting pregnant again. During this time, you should also monitor your diet and your physical and emotional well-being. If you want to have a healthy pregnancy, antenatal care is vital and effective, giving you the support and guidance you need.