I gave birth 3 weeks ago, how soon… **MNHQ adding content note for baby loss**

[MrsXx4]

….can I try for another baby?

Without going into any of the details can anyone tell me if they got pregnant quickly after giving birth and if so how quick and was their pregnancy healthy?

Is there a risk factor involved in trying too soon after giving birth?

Is it important to wait a year / 18 months after giving birth if you are a relatively healthy person?

I am hopefully seeing my midwife tomorrow so I will also ask her, but I’m looking for any ladies with experience of falling pregnant quickly after giving birth. Thank you.

I had a c section, and they told me to wait at least a year before having another.

Depends on how you delivered - it's advisable to wait longer after a CS than after a straightforward vaginal birth.

I had a straightforward delivery. I needed 2 stitches but everything is fine now. I do need to wait another month anyway for a few reasons but I’d just like to know what’s possible and safe.

I have a 14 month age gap between 1 and 2. It was fine but don't really remember my pregnancy with dc2 or their first year.

14 months between my two eldest, hard work having two so close together but now their teenagers they are so close and great fun! a couple of friends have fallen pregnant 6 weeks after birth

At least 6-12 months and then it would still take a toll on you and possibly the baby. The first baby has just spent 9 months draining you of vitamins so you need to properly recover from that for the second one to get the most it can as well.

You can get pregnant as soon as you ovulate again.

Realistically though, give yourself a chance to get used to being a parent before having another?

@sunshineandshowers40

I have a 14 month age gap between 1 and 2. It was fine but don't really remember my pregnancy with dc2 or their first year.

Do you mind me asking how old you were?

5 months seems too long for me to wait but I know it may not even happen. My last baby took 9 months to conceive (which I know is nothing for a lot of people) but I want to get trying as quick as possible in case it takes a while again.

@DisgruntledPelican

You can get pregnant as soon as you ovulate again.

Realistically though, give yourself a chance to get used to being a parent before having another?

I am a parent, I have a 2 and a half year old.

The recommendation is if possible to wait 12 months between pregnancies (not births) because a smaller gap than that can increase the risk of baby being premature.

It sounds like there’s a reason you want two so close together. Obviously breastfeeding acts as a natural contraceptive and is pretty effective (obviously not 100%) but pretty good if fully BF so that could affect the feasibility. They do recommend a year to allow your body to recover. Hats off to you that soon after giving birth I couldn’t imagine feeling broody again .

I am a parent, I have a 2 and a half year old.

Ah, well if you know the downsides of pregnancy symptoms and tiredness whilst also looking after a baby / toddler, then that’s the worst part really. If your birth was straightforward and you’re not struggling with anything, then you’re probably good to go as soon as your periods return. Plenty of people have very short gaps with 2 under 2, or 2 under 18 months even.

Obviously no judgement if you don’t plan on BF! But it could impact

I guess my first two were my closest... eldest born October, next one born Nov following year. So i had, what, 5ish months unpregnant...? I was fine. But i had no complications with either of the pregnancies or births. Having a one year old and a newborn is hard work, but there's nothing wrong with hard work if you want to achieve something. We have two great lads in our eldest 2, and i'm still fine (a few more babies later). I'm fit & healthy though, and a SAHM... these things do matter in your decision making; your circumstances, your health, your support network. Good luck in your choices; you do you.

Did this baby not survive, OP? You can seek counselling, ask your midwife for support.

@VodselForDinner

Care to explain why you think the phrase ‘Irish Twins’ is racist?

12-18 months is ideal.

www.bbc.com/news/health-46017789.amp

I didn’t want to go into the details as I don’t want to upset anyone and I really didn’t want to drip feed Sonora we don’t think that’s what I’ve done here, but I’m worried this thread may take a turn and I want people to know my reasons for asking.

My baby was stillborn 3 weeks ago. My pregnancy was low risk and complication free. No one saw this coming and we have no answers as to why it happened. My pregnancy ended in 6 minutes! I wasn’t in labour with my baby, the baby just delivered and it was traumatic. I know a lot of this is hormone driven but I am craving my newborn and my pregnancy back! I know nothing will replace my baby but I don’t feel complete and I’m totally broken.

I just want a baby so much.

Have nothing constructive to add but I'm so sorry - I can't begin to imagine the pain you are feeling.

Sonora we?!? Should have said ‘so please’

I’m so sorry, OP.

I think the best thing to do would be to talk to your midwife. The emotional impact as well as physical needs to be considered. I hope you are able to make a positive choice

Oh OP I’m so sorry. Your feelings are completely understandable I’d be the same. Sending lots of love.