Birth spacing is crucial for women’s health

October is observed as an awareness month for birth spacing with an emphasis on the importance of allowing a woman's body to recover between pregnancies. Birth spacing not only grants mothers a chance to catch their breath, but also offers numerous social, economic and health benefits for individuals, families and society as a whole.

The core objective of birth spacing awareness is to enhance maternal and child health outcomes, bolster the economic sustainability of the healthcare sector, and foster social advantages while upholding international commitments. This awareness campaign aims to educate individuals about the distinction between birth spacing and birth control. Birth spacing entails the use of a suitable method to space pregnancies at least three years apart, without stipulating a specific number of children.

Since 1994, the Sultanate of Oman's birth spacing programme, championed by the Ministry of Health, has been a pivotal initiative. International interest in women's health underscores the significance of this service, with 60 per cent of primary healthcare services dedicated to women's and children's well-being. This comprehensive approach has become a cornerstone of the healthcare system.

The benefits of birth spacing are multifaceted. They include reducing maternal mortality rates, safeguarding maternal physical and mental health, expediting postpartum recovery, and enabling mothers to allocate adequate attention to their families. Moreover, it nurtures a child's sense of parental care and attention.

Local health institutions are readily available for women seeking birth spacing services to provide guidance on suitable methods tailored to their psychological and social circumstances. Physicians play a crucial role in assessing age and health conditions to determine the most appropriate method. They also educate patients about their chosen method's advantages, disadvantages, side effects and correct usage.

Spacing pregnancies mitigates the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Studies published in scientific journals have established that closely spaced pregnancies elevate the likelihood of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, premature births and low-birth-weight infants. Repeated pregnancies expose mothers to additional risks such as placental separation, low birth weight and complications due to malnutrition.

Birth spacing ensures that newborns benefit from a mother's period of rest, allowing her to regain physical health, immunity and calcium levels. This, in turn, promotes healthier growth and reduces complications in infants.

Beyond the immediate family, birth spacing eases financial and social burdens, fortifies marital and family relationships, and contributes to the creation of a healthier, more productive society. By all measures — psychological and physical — it aids in forming a robust and vibrant community.

The World Health Organization recommends an ideal birth spacing period of approximately 24 months after a natural birth, six months following a miscarriage, and one to three years after a caesarean section. Additionally, recent research has raised concerns about extended pregnancy intervals, including a higher risk of preeclampsia in women without a history of the condition.

While the exact cause of health issues stemming from extended pregnancy intervals remains unclear, it is apparent that pregnancy positively impacts the uterus's ability to promote and support fetal growth. However, these beneficial changes wane over time, underscoring the importance of informed birth spacing decisions.

Birth spacing awareness in October serves as a reminder of the multitude of advantages associated with thoughtful family planning. It empowers individuals, strengthens families and contributes to society's overall well-being. By understanding and embracing birth spacing, we can foster healthier and happier communities for generations to come.