Effects of interpregnancy interval on pregnancy complications in a high-income country

Abstract

Using a high-quality, population-based cohort spanning over 35 years in WA, we found insufficient evidence to suggest that short intervals increase the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) and gestational diabetes. However, long intervals (>24 months) were associated with an increased risk of HDPs. Findings from this thesis suggest that optimal intervals vary by maternal age and previous pregnancy complications at birth prior to the interval and challenge the applicability of the current birth spacing recommendations, including WHO, to high-income settings such as Australia.