Table of contents:
- Influence on maternal health
- Increases the risk of bleeding and death during childbirth
- The mother cannot give exclusive breastfeeding to the child
- Risks to the fetus
- Stillbirth or disability
- Low birth weight and preterm birth
- How long should it take before being pregnant again?
Pregnancy spacing actually affects the health of the fetus and mother. The distance between two pregnancies that is too close can cause serious complications in pregnancy and the birth process. World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN) state that the interval between pregnancies should be 2 to 3 years. If it is less than two years, it can be bad for the health of both the mother and the fetus
Influence on maternal health
Increases the risk of bleeding and death during childbirth
Research shows that between pregnancies of less than 12 months can increase the risk of death for the mother. In addition, research also states that maternal mortality can be caused by postpartum hemorrhage. The uterus of the mother whose pregnancy is too close is not ready to accommodate and become a place for the new fetus to grow and develop.
It is feared that the placenta or placenta from a previous birth has not shed or completely peeled off, and this will increase the risk of complications in the new pregnancy. In addition, according to the theory that mothers who had a previous birth by caesarean section, there is still a placenta that is attached to the lower uterine wall and can cover the mother's cervix. This can cause inflammation of the genital tract, make the birth process difficult, and cause bleeding.
The mother cannot give exclusive breastfeeding to the child
The proximity of the pregnancy does not give the mother the opportunity to exclusively breastfeed her baby. In fact, exclusive breastfeeding is the best food for newborns. Apart from being easy to digest breast milk, babies who are exclusively breastfed get sufficient micro and macro nutrients as needed. Based on various studies, breast milk can also improve cognitive function in children and make the child's immune system stronger.
Risks to the fetus
Stillbirth or disability
Stillbirths can occur because the uterus and the mother's body functions are not ready to support the life of a new fetus. When a new fetus grows and develops, the body cannot provide food supply and prepare the fetus to its fullest needs. Hence, there is birth of death. Defects and fetal growth and development that are not optimal can also be caused by this.
Low birth weight and preterm birth
4 million babies die each year as a result of premature birth. Research reported in the Journal of The American Medical Association says that women who have returned to pregnancy after 6 months of birth have a 40% increase in their risk of having a premature child and a 61% increase in their risk of having a low birth weight child.
Some studies suggest that the close distance between pregnancies does not give the mother enough time to recover from the physical stress that occurs due to previous pregnancies, for example, pregnancy will deplete and deplete the nutrients in the mother's body due to sharing with the fetus, such as iron and folic acid.. So when the mother experiences her next pregnancy at a close distance, it will affect the health of the mother and the fetus because they cannot meet their respective needs.
How long should it take before being pregnant again?
To reduce the risk that occurs during pregnancy, birth, and disruption of the child's development process, it is recommended that inter-birth spacing is a minimum of 24 months and a maximum of 5 years after the last pregnancy. WHO states that the ideal time for pregnancy is 3 years. That way, mothers can provide exclusive breastfeeding for children who were born before and ensure their nutritional adequacy with breastfeeding. In addition, mothers can also prepare their bodies again for pregnancy, with a good nutritional status, not lacking any nutrients that can affect pregnancy.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to carry out a family planning program. The family planning program is not just a government program that aims to suppress the growth of people in Indonesia, but this program also greatly affects the health of mothers, children and families.
