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Everything You Should Know Before Planning For A Second Child

By Subodini Menon

Are you eager to complete your family? You have a child but are you already missing the smell of a newborn baby? Do you think you are ready to have another baby at this point?

When your idea of having a dream family is having more than one baby, it is normal to want to have another baby as soon as possible. But before deciding to get pregnant, there are things that you need to think about.

The society will put forward a lot of points that justify bearing another child as soon as possible. They may say that when the ages of the kids are close together, they will grow up together and that the education phase will be over together and then you can relax.

what you should remember before having a second baby

You might also hear that you will not have to deal with sibling rivalry and there will be more love between the siblings. However, all of these are not really true. You need to think deeply on the issue and decide what is best for your family and yourself.

We have put together some points that will help you decide better. So, read on to know more.

18 Months Of Gap Between Children Is Ideal

18 Months Of Gap Between Children Is Ideal

According to doctors, it is best for your health and that of your baby's if you give a gap of at least 18 months before you have another baby. Having a baby before 18 months increases the chance of stillbirth and miscarriage. There are chances that your baby might be born pre-mature or with a low birth weight.

As the mother, you may also suffer from anaemia. After birth, you will be at the risk of an infection of the uterus. Your water may break too soon too if you get pregnant before 18 months.

A Gap Of More Than 5 Years Is Also Not Healthy

A Gap Of More Than 5 Years Is Also Not Healthy

If you wait for more than 5 years to have another baby, you may have some complications. While it will be safe for the baby you already have, the next pregnancy may be difficult. Pre-eclampsia, premature birth and low gestational weight are common when this happens.

Having Babies Of A Lesser Age Gap Is Risky For Mother's Health

Having Babies Of A Lesser Age Gap Is Risky For Mother's Health

After the childbirth, the mother needs to heal. The pregnancy uses up a lot of energy and nutrients of the mother's body. The body needs to replenish itself and needs to come back to the normal state before it can support a healthy pregnancy.

The Ideal Age Gap Among Siblings Should Be 3 Years

The Ideal Age Gap Among Siblings Should Be 3 Years

The Indian government recommends that a couple should try and keep at least 3 years of age gap between two children. This will give enough time for the woman's body to heal. This suggestion is made because it will also help in slowing down the population growth in the country.

A Good Age Gap Makes Sure Siblings Have A Better Relationship

A Good Age Gap Makes Sure Siblings Have A Better Relationship

If the age gap is larger among the children, the elder child will take up a more nourishing role for the younger child. This way, the children will have a more healthy relationship with one another. Some argue that the elder child will have more time to enjoy the parent's attention and may not like the second child's arrival. This may create tension and sibling rivalry. To avoid such a situation, you will need to take care that the elder children are given plenty of time and attention too.

Children Of Around The Same Age Group Will Be Hard To Handle

Children Of Around The Same Age Group Will Be Hard To Handle

If you have had a baby, you must know how hard it is to take care of him/her. Sleepless nights and hectic days are normal when you have children. Are you ready to have another child and go through the process all over again? It will definitely be hard and you really need to think about it before you decide on getting pregnant.

Story first published: Monday, June 26, 2017, 16:01 [IST]
Read more about: baby child