Risks in Successive Pregnancies

• Premature birth.
• Under-sized baby.
• Low-birth weight.
• Infections in the mother’s reproductive system.
• Miscarriages.
• Various other complications arising in pregnancy and childbirth.
• Infant mortality or neonatal death.

Why is a pregnancy soon after childbirth unhealthy

The reproductive system needs sufficient time to be healed properly before conceiving again. Pregnancy, labor and childbirth are quite tiring and stressful for the reproductive organs which need appropriate time to heal. The lining of the uterus is not only sensitive but prone to infections after childbirth; intercourse, tampons or any other foreign object can trigger a uterine infection. After childbirth, a woman experiences post-partum vaginal discharge known as lochia which contains waste blood and placental tissue. Until the discharge of lochia does not change colour from red to white it means the uterus has not healed, this can take three to six weeks time.

A woman’s body may not be ready for an intercourse soon after childbirth. Most health experts recommend sexual abstinence six weeks after delivery and after a post-natal check up. There are many aspects of the body which needs to recover; episiotomy which means a surgical incision made in the vaginal cavity to assist childbirth needs stitches after delivery. These stitches can come off while having sex and not only be painful but interfere healing. Reduced sex drive, painful sex and fear of pain in a woman can make matters worse. It is important that a woman should feel emotionally and physically ready to indulge in after childbirth.

Solutions

Use contraceptives preferably which are non-hormonal especially if the mother is breastfeeding the baby. Do not completely rely on natural methods of contraception as they are not foolproof.

In case a pregnancy happens soon after childbirth, consult a doctor for advice and precautions to be taken for a safe and good health of both mother and baby.