When is The Best Time to Have Another Baby?

While there is no perfect time to have another baby, some times are definitely better than others and properly spacing pregnancies may improve your chances of having a baby that is healthier and stronger.

Research has shown that leaving less than 18 months or more than 59 months - calculating from delivery to next conception - increases the risk of low birth weight and premature birth.

Waiting a long time between pregnancies isn’t as problematic as having the next baby too soon. Waiting less than six months increases the risk of a premature baby by 40 percent and a low birth weight by 61 percent.

It is thought this is due to the mother’s nutritional stores being too depleted to nourish another fetus. Waiting too long, on the other hand, can mean a less fertile mother or father.

So what is the ideal time to wait between baby and pregnancy?

Looking at all the statistics the optimal time gap between births - giving the healthiest possible outcome for mother and baby - is between 18 and 23 months.

But all women are different and while some will be ready to conceive and go through another pregnancy quite soon after their first, others will be appalled at the thought of having a baby while still coping with a demanding toddler.

Maybe mum would like a few years with the older child settled into nursery school before thinking about producing a sibling. Maybe the family is complete with just the one child.

Here are some things to consider when planning how long to leave between baby and pregnancy…

• How old is your youngest? Could you cope with the demands of pregnancy if you’re still getting up regularly in the night with a young baby?
• Shared attention: Some children are very clingy to their mothers. Could your little one cope with sharing you? Or perhaps you are already splitting your precious time between more children, twins, or a child that needs medical care?
• How does dad feel? If your partner says he is not yet ready for another baby listen to his views. You should both agree on any new baby plans.
• How will your relationship cope? Couples who say they are having a baby to bring them closer together or help repair a rift in their marriage are deluded. If your relationship already has cracks then a newborn baby will not help and could make things much worse. Spend some time consolidating your existing family unit.
• Can you afford it? Babies can be a drain on the family finances and one of you will have to take time off work to look after the little one in the early months. Maybe it’s best to postpone pregnancy until your financial situation is looking a little healthier.
• Do you feel ready? Don’t allow yourself to be pushed into pregnancy. You will know when you are ready.