Safer intervals between pregnancies
Using family planning methods to space pregnancies is an important aspect of caring for your health after a pregnancy. Women and their families can be healthiest when there is enough time between pregnancies. The “interval” between pregnancies that offers enough time for recovery and connection is about 18 -24 months from delivery of one baby then next baby.
This interval allows women’s body to recover from pregnancy and gives time to address any complications from pregnancy. The first few months after delivery are important to regain physical health, return prepregnancy weight and activities. Many will return to work outside of the home. The early years with a baby often include irregular sleep schedules, stresses related to new routines and demands that come with a new baby. These stressors lead to challenges for moms and families in managing self-care and full recovery from the birth of a baby.
Increased time between pregnancies allows for mom and baby to bond and family dynamics to settle into a routine that supports the growth and development of the new baby and the family. Parents often return to work 3-6 months after delivery. More time between pregnancies allows for these adjustments and increases balance in young families. Studies have shown that women who have short intervals between pregnancies are at higher risk of complications with the next pregnancies.
Family Planning or Birth Control can help families settle into the new life by preventing an unplanned pregnancy in the first 2 years after a birth. There are many types of family planning options to meet people’s needs and preferences. Some types of birth control are more effective in preventing pregnancy than others. Birth control considered ‘moderate to most effective’ are recommended after a pregnancy. Less effective family planning, techniques such as natural family planning and condoms can help prevent pregnancy, but have lower rates of pregnancy prevention than moderate to most Effective types of birth control. Birth control that is moderately to most effective has the highest ability to prevent a pregnancy when they are used as recommended. These types of family planning options include devices (Intrauterine Devices or IUDS) and hormones that prevent a pregnancy from occurring. These birth control options last as long as people use them. Once these birth control types are stopped, pregnancy is possible shortly after discontinuing the birth control.
Here are some of the common forms of moderate to most effective birth control. IUDs are placed in the uterus and remain there 5-10 years. This simple office procedure is offered by many primary care medicine professionals. IUDs can be easily removed by a provider when a person chooses. IUDs are a great option for women who prefer not to take pills daily. Some IUDs contain hormones that decrease heavy or long periods. Birth control pills can be found in many types and doses which offer options to discuss with your medical provider and find the pill that is best for you. It may take a few months to get used to a new birth control pill and a threemonth trial of any type of oral contraception is recommended before changing. For those who do not want to take pills, injectable hormones given every 3 months at the medical provider’s office are an option. Periods likely will shorten and lighten while using this type of birth control.
Moderate to most effective family planning can support families to successfully space pregnancies. Intervals between pregnancies of at least 18 months helps lay the foundation for healthy and balanced families. Please talk with your health care provider about your options for the family planning method that is right for your family.