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After Seema Haider's widely spaced pregnancies made headlines, doctors explain why birth spacing is important for maternal and baby health.
Seema Haider, the viral Pakistani woman who crossed illegally into India in 2023, gives birth again in 11 months. Is that safe?
Seema Haider, the Pakistani national who entered India via Nepal in 2023 to be with Uttar Pradesh resident Sachin Meena, whom she met while playing PUBG, is making headlines again. She has welcomed her sixth child, a baby boy, at a private hospital in Greater Noida, just 11 months after giving birth to her fifth child, a girl.
Reports say that both the mother and the baby are healthy and the celebrations continued at her house in Rabupura, where she lives with Sachin Meena's family. The news quickly went viral online, with many expressing surprise at the short gap between the two pregnancies.
Beyond public curiosity, however, the situation highlights an important medical question: How long should ideally elapse between pregnancies?
The recommended gap between two pregnancies
Health experts widely recommend waiting 18 to 24 months between giving birth and the next conception. This time allows the body to recover from the intense physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth.
Recovery is not just about regaining energy. The uterus needs to heal, hormone levels need to stabilize, and nutrient stores, especially iron and folate, need to be restored. When pregnancies occur too early, the body may still be in recovery mode.
Why widely spaced pregnancies carry a higher risk
Medical professionals say shorter intervals between pregnancies can increase the chance of complications for both mother and baby.
Dr Kekin Gala, consultant obstetrics and gynecology at Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital, Mumbai, explains: “From a medical perspective, pregnancies that occur in very quick succession are generally not considered ideal for a woman's health. After childbirth, the body needs adequate time to recover: the uterus needs to heal, iron and nutrient stores need to be replenished, and hormonal balance needs to stabilize. An interval of between 18 and 24 months between birth and delivery is ideal. The next conception is recommended to reduce health risks.
When pregnancies occur within a year, the chances of complications such as maternal anemia, premature birth, low birth weight babies, and general stress during pregnancy can increase. While some women can still give birth safely with proper medical supervision, closely spaced pregnancies are classified as higher risk and require careful monitoring. Therefore, planned birth spacing is important not only for maternal recovery but also for better newborn health outcomes.”
What happens inside the body?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly deplete nutrients. Iron levels often drop, which increases the risk of anemia. The uterus, which expands during pregnancy, needs time to return to its normal size and function. The hormonal systems that regulate mood, metabolism, and reproductive health also need time to rebalance.
When conception occurs too early, these recovery processes may be incomplete.
Why babies are affected too
Short intervals between pregnancies can also influence infant health. Babies born after closely spaced pregnancies are more likely to be premature or have low birth weight. One important reason is the depletion of maternal nutrients; the body may not have fully rebuilt the resources necessary to sustain another pregnancy.
Spacing pregnancies helps promote healthier fetal development, greater maternal strength, and more stable early care.
February 21, 2026, 19:49 IST
