Women who have children in quick succession place themselves and their children at risk, say health professionals. A birth spacing of at least two years is recommended for the benefit of both mothers and their children.
Birth or child spacing, also known as pregnancy spacing or inter-pregnancy interval, refers to the length of time between two births.
Doctors say a gap of two years is particularly beneficial for the mothers. It gives them ample time for recovery and to replenish nutrients lost during previous pregnancy.
“Studies found that if a gap of two years is maintained between two pregnancies, then the health of both mother and child will be good,” Dr Ugen Dophu, the Secretary of the Health Ministry, said.
Studies have also shown that when the length of time between two births is less than two years, the mother is likely to suffer from vitamin deficiencies and cause undernourishment.
The interval between births has a particular significance for child survival.
“The child, while in mother’s womb, will not get enough nutrients. At birth, the weight will be low or the child will be born prematurely. After birth, if you don’t breastfeed well, the child can fall ill easily,” Dr Ugen Dophu said.
“But if the recommended birth-interval is maintained, the child will grow up to become a healthy adult,” Dr Ugen Dophu added.
He shared that many women in the country space their pregnancies well, but there are some who give birth 11 months after the previous birth, which is too less of a gap.
