Baby Spacing and Timing Subsequent Pregnancies

Written by Jennalea McInnes, Preconception and Pregnancy Nutritionist | Reviewed June 2026

Moving from one child to two? Deciding on when to have another baby is a personal decision. And while there's no perfect time to add a sibling to your family, even the most careful planners know you can't always control when conception occurs.

Postnatal depletion — often displayed as lethargy, low energy and poor memory — can affect mothers for up to 7 years postpartum. And with many mothers existing in a state of depletion after the birth of their first babe, knowing how to support the body for conception the second time around is a necessary step towards a healthy pregnancy.

Looking to support a pregnancy the second time around? There's plenty you can do. moode chats with preconception and pregnancy nutritionist Jennalea McInnes for her top tips on supporting maternal health when pregnant, again.

How long should I wait between pregnancies to try to conceive?

Health experts recommend spacing pregnancies at least 18–24 months apart, as a 2018 study found inter-pregnancy intervals shorter than 18 months have been associated with a range of risks for both mother and foetus.

Are our nutritional needs different the second time around?

"I think it really depends on your health status at the time – with me I definitely had different needs. I had extremely low vitamin D and iron this pregnancy whereas I didn't with my first. I think a lot of mums do eat differently once they're running around after a toddler too. Sometimes they're grazing more instead of eating mindfully. Or finishing off their baby's meals (we all know this one too well), making quicker meals and skimping on the greens or omegas. It can be more challenging when you're busy AF! This is why it's important to work on your nutritional needs with a practitioner to have individualised support.

At the very least, explore the following with your healthcare provider:

• Blood work
• Nutrition and meal planning
• Support with any underlying health condition that may be affecting your nutritional status and possible deficiencies"

Which foods support a pregnancy in postpartum?

"My go-to's once the nausea of course passes (hopefully it does), are:

• Eggs — nature's multivitamin
• Red meat, 3–4x week
• Cooked greens, daily
• Seeds, nuts and incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into the diet weekly — consider quality salmon 2x week, a good fish oil or algal oil supplement, boosting flax in the diet as well as adding walnuts and chia seeds to almost anything you can!"

Pregnant and still breastfeeding — which nutrients do we need?

• Iron (please never self-prescribe — always check your levels first with your healthcare provider)
• Zinc
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin A (so important for absorption, despite the fear around it)
• Choline
• Folate
• B12
• Sufficient copper to assist iron
• Adequate B vitamins
• EPA/DHA

Are prenatal vitamins important in subsequent pregnancies?

"Prenatal vitamins (the quality ones) can really help us during preconception and pregnancy, as they help us achieve the recommended dietary intakes of certain nutrients, which allows us to optimise our pregnancies. Unfortunately, because of the way our food is manufactured, moved and stored these days, we cannot rely solely on getting all our nutrients from food, unless we're growing it ourselves and eating it fresh from our garden. This is because food loses so many nutrients in the manufacturing and distribution process. So a boost from a multivitamin is incredibly beneficial."

"I took a prenatal 3 months prior to conception, throughout my pregnancy and since I have some in the cupboard still, I continue to take it every few days to ensure I have a little boost of health during my recovery and breastfeeding demands." – Jennalea McInnes

About Jennalea McInnes

Jennalea McInnes is a preconception and pregnancy nutritionist specialising in supporting maternal health before, during and after pregnancy. Visit jennaleamcinnes.com to work with Jennalea directly.