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New research sheds light on the ideal time between pregnancies, emphasizing the need for personalized recommendations.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), waiting at least 24 months between childbirth and a new pregnancy is advisable. However, a recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health — Americas indicates that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be suitable. The study, conducted by researchers from various institutions including the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, suggests that interpregnancy intervals should be tailored based on maternal obstetric history.
The research, which analyzed data from over 4.7 million live births in Brazil, utilized a birth cohort combining information from the Ministry of Health’s Information System on Live Births and a cohort of 100 million Brazilians. Focusing on women with at least two consecutive live births, the study found that most interpregnancy intervals fell between 23 to 58 months, with extreme intervals of less than 6 months or greater than 120 months occurring in 5.6% and 1.6% of cases, respectively.
Among the adverse outcomes examined, including small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies, low birth weight (LBW), and preterm birth, the study identified a nuanced relationship between interpregnancy intervals and risks. While most adverse outcomes increased with extreme intervals, the risk for SGA was lower in women with intervals exceeding 120 months. João Guilherme Tedde, the study’s lead author, suggested that older mothers with longer intervals may have a distinct risk profile, potentially explaining this phenomenon.
Moreover, the study highlighted the influence of maternal obstetric history on subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Women with a history of adverse events in previous pregnancies faced higher risks for adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies, regardless of interpregnancy interval length. Tedde emphasized the need for further research to elucidate the complex relationship between interpregnancy intervals and perinatal events.
The findings underscore the importance of individualized recommendations considering factors such as maternal history. However, Tedde cautioned that identifying the “best” interval for each situation requires additional research, including outcomes relevant to maternal health.
While this study provides valuable insights, experts agree that further investigation is necessary to refine recommendations and better support women’s reproductive health decisions. As research continues to evolve, healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of personalized care to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes.
