How long did you wait before trying for a second baby?

[Sarahlouise86]

I had my first baby in July and he was born at 35+4 and under 5lb. We had some issues with feeding and jaundice and a couple of weeks in hospital but apart from that he's perfect.

It may be crazy but we're already thinking about having a second baby. I know the NHS advice is to wait at least 12 months and preferably 18 months before becoming pregnant again to reduce the risk of premature labour and still birth. I'm currently thinking we could start trying again in March/April next year (we fell pregnant the first month of trying last time but I know it could take longer). It's just playing on my mind about increasing the risk of another premature baby but I'm in my 30's and weighing that up against it could take a while to conceive and I'm not getting younger!

How long did you wait? Was your second child premature as well?

Hey @Sarahlouise86 a couple of months won’t make much difference to your fertility, so I wouldn’t take the risk. It is very hard having a toddler at home with a preemie in hospital. It’s also tough having less than 18month age gap even if they are full term.

I know two mums who had a second after a prem, both mid thirties, both with a 3 year age gap. I met many mums in NIcu who were juggling multiple kids, myself included, and it isn’t easy, not every baby has a short stay.

My first wasn't premature (in fact she was 4 days overdue) but I fell pregnant with my second when my first was 18 weeks old. I've asked at several appointments what the risks are with becoming pregnant so soon after giving birth and every midwife I've asked has looked at me like I have 2 heads for thinking the time gap would make any difference. Not sure if you would be considered a higher risk as your first was premature though. I'm currently 32 weeks so time will tell if baby comes early but the HCPs I've come in to contact with don't seem to be concerned.

My 1st was born at 34+5, 2nd 35+1. It was MUCH harder 2nd time round even without the added stress of her needing surgery at a week old because we had our son at home aswell. I didnt see him for nearly 2 weeks almost. Dd was born just after ds's 6th birthday. I love the gap, I had plenty of time to enjoy ds and now dd when hes at school. Hes old enough to help out and understand he no longer has our undivided attention and dd absolutely adores him

I had mine (deliberately) with a 15 month age gap. Got pregnant 7 months after birth of first. Neither were prem though so I guess the risks must be different for you. I don't regret the narrow age gap. Bloody hard work but so much fun too.

I had the same response as NoahsArk17. I fell pregnant with my 2nd when my 1st was 8 weeks old. Both meticulously planned because the births had to happen during the months when uni was closed for summer.

I asked my midwife about the risks and she asked where I'd heard such nonsense, that women have back to back pregnancies all the time and the gap between makes no difference. She laughed and rolled her eyes when I told her it was NHS guidelines and shouted another midwife into the room who also said it was a load of rubbish and not something that has ever been mentioned when they trained or attend courses to keep their training up to date.

Both my DC were born premature, but that's because I was induced due to a medical condition I have, not because of the gap between my pregnancies.

Having 2 so close together is easier. I have 2 older DC with a wider age gap and found that harder.

My great was born at 37 weeks but we started trying for second when he was 8 months. I wanted them around two years apart, not exactly as he is a late summer child and so youngest in school. Daughter was born when first was 20 months.