How soon after giving birth is it safe to get pregnant again?

[Suziek12]

Hi everyone, I know you can get pregnant pretty much straight after giving birth, but I was just wondering if there is a certain amount of time that it’s better to wait before having another? Are there any risks with getting pregnant quite soon after having a baby? Thank you!

So as midwives we like to advise at least 12-18 months between pregnancies. But lots of people do it sooner.

I actually had 6 months before falling pregnant with my three after the first.

I can say from my experience, my pregnancies did get significantly worse and more high risk, and I believe it's because I didn't give my body time to heal. For example my blood flow to My uterus started to be restricted more and more with each pregnancy.

However there will be plenty of women who have had fabulous pregnancies soon after!

It takes two years for the body to heal completely. I'm 35 having my first, so am on a bit of a tight timeline myself but I think even emotionally I'll need two years until I go again.

I was advised 18m as I had a c section. I believe it's 12m for a standard birth. But it's fashionable to have 2 under 2 now, so lots of women put their long term health at risk and don't leave enough time for their bodies to heal.

A year if youve has a vaginal birth, and longer if you had C section. Your body needs time to recover. It’s much safer to have a decent gap

I was pregnant with my 2nd four months after my first... and three months after my second ( so had three children in 2 years 3 months)

It was fine. But I was 24,25, and 26 having them, so young and fit.

I had my 4th at 29 and he wrecked me!

However, having them so close together in age was fabulous, both when they were tiny and now they are grown!

I had 2 close together a few times. Less than 14 months. 15 months. 14 months again. Popped back every time effortlessly..Everyone is different.. No pain relief or stitches. . Had an emcs at 35 weeks. Last one.

I posted something recent about age gaps. If you search under my name, you’ll find it.
safest gap for mum and baby is 18-24months.

I was pregnant 4.5m after an emc, planned all was fine

I got pregnant about 6 weeks after delivering my first, for lots of reasons it was very high risk and complicated. Not just because of the gap but it definitely exacerbated several things, whilst I don’t regret it as I love my children, I see why it’s recommended to wait at least 12 months and actually have a 4.5 year age gap between 2&3 which resulted in a much much better healthier pregnancy and delivery. I personally would say wait as close to 12 months as you can!

Just to chip in, your ability to become pregnant again will depend, in part, on how you choose to feed your baby. Amongst breastfeeding women, on average your periods wont return until 14months post partum if you continue to breastfeed (though of course everyone is different, and it can return a lot sooner for some women). I'm breastfeeding (well dry nursing now) and waited until my period returned to TTC again (and mine did come back at that 14 month mark), and took my period returning as a sign my body and baby were ready for another pregnancy.

I got pregnant again when my first was 8 month old. Second pregnancy was easier in every way.

What you are saying is bang on @2mumlife but I was one of those ebf hasn't had a period and fell pregnant at 4.5m pp it was a shock 😂

To clarify, you can get pregnant whilst breastfeeding without having periods. Definitely don't use that as contraception assurance!

I believe the recommendation is normally 18 months minimum between pregnancies.
"Research shows that getting pregnant less than 12 months after a birth is associated with health risks for women of all ages.

For most women, its best to wait at least 18 months between giving birth & getting pregnant again. "

NHS guidance

Hyperlink not working

https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/maternity-services/after-birth/postpartum-contraception/birthpregnancy-spacing#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20getting%20pregnant,giving%20birth%20%26%20getting%20pregnant%20again.

I was given the advice of waiting 18 months after my quick and straight forward vaginal birth. Never intended doing it that soon anyway! I couldn't cope with two under 3😅

Yes sorry should have made that clearer 🤦‍♀️