Experts revealed that pregnancy spacing can tremendously affect a baby’s birth. Babies conceived less than 18 months after a previous birth are at greater risk for potentially serious delivery-related complications and are 50% more likely to have autism. Researchers state that children are susceptible to the risks since women may be unable to replenish the nutrients a fetus needs which causes babies to suffer from developmental condition. The long pregnancy interval may also be considered as a risk factor of autism. Evidently, autism is a developmental disability that causes a lifelong impact on a person.
Moreover, there are around 700,000 people in UK that are on the autism spectrum. Research showed that males are more likely to have autism. Epidemiologist Laura Schieve said that it is highly significant for women to be fully aware of the potential risks that associates with the short and long inter-pregnancy intervals. Optimal pregnancy spacing is between 18 months and five years after giving birth.
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Short pregnancy intervals causes high risk of autism due to low folate levels of women. Folate also known as vitamin-B9 is crucial for prenatal brain development. A woman’s folate level after pregnancy can remain low for up to 12 months. In addition, maternal inflammation can remain high for 9 to 10 weeks after giving birth. Having inflammation during pregnancy can influence the brain development of the child.
Furthermore, experts found that neural tube defects such as spina bifida are more likely to occur among children conceived within six months. They also have a 40% risk of being born prematurely and 61% risk of low birth weight. Additionally, study showed that there’s an increased risk of cerebral palsy and developmental delay caused by a very short pregnancy intervals. It is very important for all mothers to understand the risk of short pregnancy spacing, not only that they prevent developmental risks, they also prevent deaths associated to premature birth.