Complications of Back-to-back pregnancies and the ways to deal with it

by Prapti Chauhan Prapti Chauhan

Becoming a mother for the first time can definitely make you feel elated, but carrying the baby for the first time makes you feel mentally and physically tired. There is a roller-coaster drive of emotions, besides your suffering from morning sickness, breast tenderness, swelling, etc. till such time that you’ve delivered your baby.

However, there are some of you, who may be planning another baby after 18 months. 18 months is one and a half years. In that case, you’d require almost one and a half years for your body to recover, after childbirth of your first. Therefore, you should be aware of the risks if you've conceived.

ü Higher chances of premature birth: You can give birth to a premature baby if you give birth three weeks before you’re due. Along with giving birth prematurely, there might be feeding issues, respiratory problems, and heart problems in your baby.

ü Higher chances of low-birth-weight baby: If as a mum-to-be, you’re more than 35 years old, and you had given birth to a premature baby in your previous pregnancy, there are high chances that you give birth to a low-birth-weight baby.

ü Higher chances of Small for Gestational Age Babies (SGA): Babies small for gestational age may look mature, but they are originally small babies. That said if you had earlier given birth to a baby with Intrauterine growth restriction.

ü Higher chances of placental abruption: Placental development is the most essential for foetal development. So, when you’re carrying the baby back-to-back, the placenta can either partially or completely peel off from the inner uterine wall. As a result of which, you can expect excessive bleeding during your pregnancy, pre-term birth, or stillbirth.

ü High chances of hampering your mental health: Since pregnancy is a time of both joy as well as stress. Studies have shown that 7% of you during your pregnancy can suffer from pregnancy depression. So, depression is common during pregnancy. That said, once you give birth to your child, you might have to undergo postpartum depression. But, if you carry another baby after 18 months, you’re already an experienced mother. You might again have to accept the pregnancy challenges, and of course, your level of anxiety and depression will be higher than the previous one.

The risks associated with back-to-back pregnancies, but it’s not always bad.

· Dealing with back-to-back pregnancy complications

If you’re expecting another baby, here’s how you need to deal with the back-to-back pregnancy risks.

All you need to do is ensure a healthy pregnancy, by using these tips:

Ø Be on a healthy diet from day 1 of your pregnancy: Yes! Of course, you need to be vigilant about what you’re eating during your pregnancy. So, you need to keep your platter full of folic acid, calcium, as well as iron. If by chance, some of the nutrients are not sufficient, you can have supplements by consulting your healthcare provider.

Ø Don’t be scared of gaining weight: Stay active! Exercise is a great way out for you during your pregnancy. So, while you’re nurturing another life inside you, you’d have to choose prenatal yoga, brisk walking, meditation, etc to keep your health and your baby healthy.

Ø Drink lots of water: It could be anything from drinking simple water to fresh juices as well as smoothies.

Don’t forget to visit the healthcare practitioner with the progression of every trimester.