How Long Should You Wait To Have Baby Number 2?

Are you considering expanding your family and wondering about the optimal timing between pregnancies? Understanding the concept of interval pregnancies is crucial for your reproductive health journey. So let’s delve into this topic answering some of your most common questions? How long should you wait to have baby #2, what is the best age to have baby #2, should I start trying earlier if I struggled to get pregnant with baby #1?

What are Interval Pregnancies?

Interval pregnancies refer to the time period between the birth of one child and the conception of the next. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends an general interval of 18-24 months between pregnancies. That means from the time of delivery of baby #1 to the time of conception of baby #2. This timeframe allows your body to recover fully from the physical and hormonal changes of pregnancy and childbirth, reducing the risk of complications for both mother and baby. 

Risks Associated with Short Interval Pregnancies

While interval pregnancies shorter than 18 months can increase the risk of various complications, including:

1. Preterm Birth: Short intervals between pregnancies have been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth, which can lead to health issues for the baby.
2. Low Birth Weight: Babies conceived shortly after a previous pregnancy may have lower birth weights, increasing the likelihood of health problems.
3. Maternal Health Issues: Short interval pregnancies can strain a mother's body, increasing the risk of maternal health issues such as anemia, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression.

ACOG does suggested to modify this interval to closer to 12-18 months if you 35 years or older or if you struggled to conceive with baby #2.

Why Work with a Naturopathic Doctor for Interval Pregnancies?

Partnering with a naturopathic doctor, like the ones at NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, offers unique advantages for managing interval pregnancies:

1. Holistic Approach: Naturopathic doctors take a holistic approach to health, considering factors such as nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle habits to optimize fertility and overall well-being both prior to conception as well as during pregnancy and postpartum.
2. Personalized Care: Naturopathic doctors provide individualized care tailored to your specific needs and health history. They can address underlying health issues that may impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes when trying for baby #2.
3. Comprehensive Testing: Naturopathic doctors utilize comprehensive lab testing to assess hormone levels, thyroid function, nutrient deficiencies, and other factors that can affect fertility and pregnancy, helping you take a proactive approach to your health before you start trying for baby #2. 
4. Natural Therapies: Naturopathic medicine offers a range of natural therapies, including botanical medicine, nutritional supplementation, acupuncture, and lifestyle modifications, to support fertility and promote a healthy pregnancy.

At NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, we generally like to see all of our postpartum mamas at 6 months and 12 months postpartum. If you are considering trying for baby #2, we suggest consulting with us about 2-3 months prior to the start of your preconception journey.

Growing and expanding your family is an exciting but also anxiety provoking time. Working with a naturopathic doctor like the experienced team at NMD Wellness of Scottsdale can provide you with the guidance, care, and resources you need to navigate interval pregnancies successfully. Prioritizing your health and well-being during this pivotal time sets the stage for a healthy pregnancy and the joy of welcoming another precious addition to your family. Schedule a consultation with us today to start your journey towards optimal fertility and wellness.

About the Author: Meet Dr. ZenAlissia Zenhausern- Pfeiffer, NMD, FABNE, (commonly known by her patients as Dr. Zen), is a licensed naturopathic doctor board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and the founder of NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, a premier naturopathic medical practice that focuses on helping women to take a proactive approach to their hormone and fertility health. Dr. Zen has been featured as a lead expert in Forbes, Shape Magazine, and Instyle and is deeply passionate about bridging the gap between traditional and natural medicine in the world of fertility. She works with a variety of hormone related issues including PCOS, endometriosis and unexplained infertility. Her goal is to help more women get back into the driver’s seat of their own health to make lasting transformational changes to their health to bring more cute and adorable babies into this world. Read More About Dr. Zen...