Does spacing affect preterm birth or low birth weight?

I just had a baby in January and I'm already starting to think about the next one! Can you tell me what's the best spacing between kids?

You've asked a very interesting question, but there's no simple answer. For years people have debated the merits of having children two, three, or even four years apart, and valid arguments can be made for each.

Well, now researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tying to answer the question on spacing. An interesting study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM 1999;340:589-594) looked at how spacing affects pregnancy. Bao-Ping Zhu, MD, and colleagues studied the birth certificates of over 173,000 babies born in Utah from 1989-1996, to see if the interval between pregnancies affected birth weight or preterm birth.

They found that babies who were conceived 18-23 months after a previous birth had the lowest risk of preterm birth or low birth weight. And they found that the risks were increased when fewer than six months or more than ten years had elapsed between the birth of one child and conception of the next.

While these findings are helpful, this remains a very personal issue. For many it's a matter of personal preference. However, for others spacing may not be their choice, but may be dictated by financial or job-related concerns, or even infertility.

Whatever the spacing, children are affected by the birth of a sibling. On a bright note, they become more independent. However, many children regress, strive for attention, and may even become hostile or aggressive with the new baby.

Whatever you decide, be sure to give yourselves some time to conceive. It's usually better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed. And remember, practice makes perfect!

Stay well!

Labels: Pregnancy health