Anonymous asked: What is your opinion on the sufficient intervals between pregnancies? There is lots of caution from the medical professionals on spacing babies at LEAST 18+ months apart because a woman's body isn't ready. We are planning our #2 and I'd just like your perspective. Thanks!
I can only give you my personal experience, and that is to wait more than 6 weeks.
Getting pregnant back to back was physically and emotionally extremely hard. I had no vitamin reserves, was way more exhausted, way more run down, had a lot of issues getting my health back up to a good place and started developing pre-e (something that I’d never even come close to before). For my body, 2-3 years between pregnancies was a good minimum, but it really depends on the person. If you have AMAZING body health, are really good with your vitamins, exercise, etc… you may find that getting pregnant inside the same year really doesn’t pose any issues for you. If you’re like me and have a disability and other health issues, I’d say wait a few years and work hard on getting as healthy as possible. That’s what I did before Zephyra and it did make a difference. I mean, the HG nearly killed me and would have regardless but at least I was in the best shape I could be prior to that.
I’ve never actually heard the 18+ months thing except in relation to repeat cesareans (ie. wait 9 months before getting pregnant again so there’s 18 months between your cesareans). I haven’t heard it for normal, healthy pregnancies and births.
I understand where the caution comes from, to ensure that you have the best starting point to increase your likelihood of a smooth, healthy pregnancy… but it’s also not going to kill you if you accidentally/on purpose get pregnant right away. It might be harder on your body depending on your overall health, but it won’t hurt your baby. Your body will take from you until you have nothing left before it puts your fetus at risk, and if you’re using a computer right now chances are you have access to good health care and nutrition so the worst case scenario isn’t too horrible.