Childbirth is a tedious and painstaking process for women. From pregnancy and childbirth to ensuring the newborn child gets the right nutrition for a healthy childhood, it can be draining for women. The whole process depletes their energy and nutrients. As a result, women may suffer from health issues and malnourishment after childbirth.

So, it is indispensable for the mother to regain all the strength and nutrients before planning the next child. Failing to do so can adversely impact their fertility and long-term health. This is why birth spacing is critical.

This article discusses the concept of birth spacing and the impact of poor birth spacing on the fertility and long-term health of women. It also explores how effective contraception methods like Saheli ensure the right birth spacing.

What is Birth Spacing?

Birth spacing refers to the practice of leaving an adequate interval between consecutive pregnancies.

This interval gives adequate time for women to regain enough nutrition and let their bodies recover from the effects of pregnancy and childbirth, including nutritional losses, healing of surgical wounds, hormonal fluctuations, etc. This ensures better long-term health outcomes for both the mother and the child, preserving the mother’s fertility and reducing the risks of maternal and infant mortality, low birth weight, and preterm birth.

How does Inadequate Birth Spacing Affect the Fertility and Overall Health of Women?

1. Fertility

Though most women retain menstrual cycles after childbirth, they can suffer from hormonal fluctuations and irregular periods as a result. Further, the uterus needs time to recover from a pregnancy. So, giving adequate time to recover physically and restore the hormonal balance is critical for fertility and the long-term health of women.

Having a brief and inadequate birth spacing can cause uterine scarring and weakened tissues in the reproductive system, impacting fertility and potentially delaying or complicating future pregnancies.

2. Maternal Health Risks

Lack of proper birth spacing can cause issues during subsequent childbirths. It can increase the risk of preterm birth and related complications for both the mother and baby. Weakened uterine tissues can lead to uterine rupture, haemorrhage, and hypertensive disorders, increasing the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality.

Not implementing birth spacing can also make women weak, as pregnancy and the development of the foetus have vast nutritional requirements; pregnancies in quick succession without adequate recovery time can deplete the nutrition stores of the body, causing malnutrition, anaemia, and other long-term health consequences. The maternal health impact of pregnancies without proper birth spacing can also weaken the mother's ability to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy.

According to a study published by JAMA Internal Medicine, spacing between pregnancies, particularly less than 18 months, is associated with increased risks for the mother. It can cause serious complications such as organ failure, necessitating mechanical ventilation, admission to the intensive care unit, significant blood transfusion, and even maternal mortality, especially in women aged 35 and older. Shorter birth intervals also significantly raise the likelihood of spontaneous and indicated preterm deliveries. These findings emphasise the importance of adequate birth spacing to minimise health risks.

3. Chronic Health Conditions

Poor birth spacing not only causes health issues but also worsens existing health issues like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension, which in turn aggravate the impact on the fertility and long-term health of women.

4. Mental and Emotional Health

Lack of proper birth spacing can also lead to postpartum depression and mental fatigue. These factors can further affect the overall well-being of women and their ability to manage future pregnancies.

What is the Ideal Birth Spacing Period?

The ideal birth spacing period is different for everyone; it all depends on various factors and individual circumstances, including age, fecundity, fertility goals, access to healthcare services, financial capability, and personal preferences. It is advisable to seek a doctor’s advice, assess various health parameters and evaluate the woman's health condition to determine the ideal birth spacing.

According to a report from a WHO technical consultation on birth spacing, reducing health risks for both mothers and children requires at least 24 months of interval to get pregnant after a live childbirth and a six-month interval for pregnancies following a miscarriage or induced abortion.

The Role of Contraception in Birth Spacing

Contraception plays a crucial role in birth spacing by enabling couples to plan and delay pregnancies according to their health and family needs. Since women can start menstruating within a week of childbirth, contraception is indispensable. When an ideal birth spacing is determined, it is essential to continue using contraception throughout that period, till it can be reversed and the couple can plan the next child.

However, not all contraceptives are suitable for birth spacing. Hormonal pills, for instance, prevent pregnancies by manipulating hormone levels. Post-childbirth, women suffer from hormonal fluctuations. So, during the determined birth spacing period, any contraception method that impacts hormone levels can affect the fertility and reproductive health of women. Further, hormonal pills are unsuitable for lactating mothers. So, they must choose a non-hormonal contraception like Saheli.

Saheli - a Vital Birth Spacing Tool

Saheli is ideal for implementing birth spacing because:

• Saheli is a non-hormonal oral contraception pill free from any side effects.
• It does not affect the hormonal balance of women after childbirth.
• It is easily reversible.
• Saheli is suitable for lactating women, making it ideal for consumption after childbirth.
• Being a proven, effective pill with no side effects, Saheli does not have any impact on the fertility and long-term health of women.
• Saheli is taken once a week, making it convenient and easier to stick to the dosage schedule.
• Saheli is highly affordable, making it a practical choice for a wider range of women.

Ensure Fertility and Long-Term Health with Birth Spacing

Birth spacing plays a crucial role in preserving fertility and the long-term reproductive health of women. Adequate spacing between pregnancies helps reduce the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality. It gives the body time to recover and restore essential nutrients, which supports healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for both mother and child. Thoughtful family planning, supported by effective non-hormonal contraception methods like Saheli, enables women to balance their fertility goals with their long-term health, contributing to their well-being and improved quality of life.

FAQs

1. Does birth spacing affect pregnancy?

Yes, birth spacing significantly impacts pregnancy outcomes. Short intervals between pregnancies can increase risks like preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal health complications. Adequate spacing allows the body to recover, promoting healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for both mother and child.

2. Why is the spacing between two children important?

Spacing between children is essential for both maternal and child health. It reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy, supports better physical and emotional recovery for the mother, and allows parents to provide more attention and resources to each child during critical developmental stages.

3. What is the safest gap between pregnancies?

The safest gap between pregnancies is at least 18 to 24 months.

4. What is the best age to get pregnant?

The optimal age for pregnancy is generally between the early 20s and early 30s, when fertility is at its peak and risks of pregnancy-related complications are lower. However, personal circumstances, health, and family planning goals are also important for determining the best time.