Birth Spacing and Health

Over the years, research has shown that when families space the births of their children two years apart, their children are more likely to survive and be healthy. New research has shown that although two-year spacing is good, a longer interval is best. The best interval—when the risks for adverse health outcomes are lowest—are referred to as the “optimal” birth spacing interval. Most research indicates that the “optimal” interval for child and maternal survival is three years or longer.