Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy: Reducing Mortality Among Women and Their Children

Research from around the world shows that the length of the interval between a woman’s birth and her next pregnancy directly relates to the risk of infant, child, and maternal mortality.^1–3 In summary, the shorter the birth-to-pregnancy interval, the higher the risk to women and their children. In addition, pregnancies that are too closely spaced or that occur among adolescents younger than 18 also carry with them a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight for infants, as well as maternal pregnancy- and birth-related complications, such as anemia and obstetric fistula.

Three evidence-based global recommendations for healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy can lead to significantly improved maternal and child health outcomes:

• Women should delay their first pregnancy until at least age 18.

• After a live birth, women should wait at least 24 months before attempting the next pregnancy to reduce health risks for the mother and the baby.

• After a miscarriage or induced abortion, women should wait at least 6 months before attempting the next pregnancy to reduce health risks for the mother and baby.