Planning your next pregnancy
NURTURE INFORMATION HUB
Evidence
Edwina Dorney, Danielle Mazza, Kirsten I Black
Women should be advised that an interpregnancy interval of less than 12 months between childbirth and conceiving again is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, low birthweight and small for gestational age.
Monash University
The focus of consultations between pregnancies is mostly on babies and children, while the health needs of mothers can be neglected with potentially negative consequences for women and their future children. Ensuring care between pregnancies can help prevent and manage health issues like gestational diabetes and hypertension.
Education
Care between pregnancies focuses on maintaining your health and improving both your physical and mental well-being. This time between births is essential for fully recovering from your previous pregnancy and preparing your body for future pregnancies. If your baby was born prematurely or with health challenges, taking steps to care for yourself now can help prevent or manage health issues that may impact a future pregnancy.
For parents who have pre-existing health conditions or experienced health issues during their last pregnancy such as gestational diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure) the time between pregnancies is a good chance to manage these conditions. Regular check-ups with your doctor can monitor your health and identify any treatment or lifestyle changes that may be beneficial. For example, if you had gestational diabetes managing your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise and possibly medication can reduce the risk of developing diabetes later on or in future pregnancies. Similarly, managing high blood pressure helps lower the risk of complications in a future pregnancy.
A mother who has already had one premature baby has a 22% chance of having another premature birth. It is the biggest risk factor for having another premature baby. https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/risk-of-further-preterm-birth/gmdbnk
To try and prevent another premature birth, it’s best to wait at least 18 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again. This means your baby is 1½ years old before you get pregnant with your next baby. This time lets your body recover from one pregnancy so it’s ready for your next pregnancy. The time between giving birth and getting pregnant again is called birth spacing or interpregnancy interval (also called IPI).
If your baby was born prematurely, speaking with your doctor can help identify possible causes and discuss ways to lower the risk in future pregnancies. Some causes of premature birth, like certain infections or underlying health issues, can be managed with regular health care, lifestyle changes, or medication. Your doctor may suggest ways to improve your overall health and increase the chance of a full-term pregnancy.
Birth Control
Choosing when to have another baby is a personal decision and using birth control is one way to help plan the right time. Birth control options include pills, injections, implants, or IUDs (a small device placed in the uterus by a doctor). Some types of birth control can be used right after childbirth, while others might be better started a bit later. Talking with your doctor about which birth control option suits you can help you space your pregnancies in a way that best supports your health. Waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies, if possible, can give your body the time it needs to heal and recover.
Intercourse
After childbirth, it’s natural to take time to feel ready for intimacy again. Physical healing and emotional changes are part of this recovery period and there’s no rush to resume intercourse until you feel comfortable. When you’re ready, communication with your partner can help you both feel supported as you adjust to this new stage in your relationship. Using birth control as you resume intercourse is an important way to ensure your body has time to heal fully before another pregnancy.
Empowerment
Taking steps now to support your health can help your body recover fully, reduce health risks in future pregnancies and improve your mental well-being.
To support your health, you can stay active by moving in gentle ways, which helps build strength and boosts your mood. Eating a balanced diet with different types of foods provides the nutrition you need to feel good and energized. Visiting a doctor for regular check-ups is also helpful. You can ask about any health conditions you had during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, to make sure you’re on track for full recovery.
If you are considering having another baby, talking to your doctor about when your body might be ready is a good first step. They can give you advice about any extra vitamins or support you might need for a healthy pregnancy in the future. Looking after your mental health is also key. Speaking with a mental health professional or joining a support group can be a positive way to handle any worries or stress you may feel, especially after your experience in the Neonatal unit.
Useful Links
The Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance (APBPA)
https://www.pretermalliance.com.au/About-Preterm-Birth/Causes-Of-Preterm-Birth
COPE – Centre for Perinatal Excellence
https://www.cope.org.au/getting-help/e-cope-directory/
Panda - Perinatal Mental Health
For When – Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing
https://forwhenhelpline.org.au/
Miracle Babies Foundation – Future Pregnancies
https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/future-pregnancies/gmlj6g
South Australia Health - Pregnancy after having a premature baby
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Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances. To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances.To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
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