The biological effects of family planning. A. Preventive pediatrics: the potential of family planning.

Abstract

The associations of family size limitations and birth spacing with child health benefits are discussed. Perinatal mortality indices are related to maternal age and parity. For births after parity 2 the risk increases especially in the lower social classes. Fetal mortality is increased among very young mothers is at its lowest at ages 20-29 and rises thereafter. Among mothers over 40 fetal mortality is several times that of those under 20. Birth spacing as well as family size is an important factor in infant health. In India a study showed lowest neonatal and infant mortality rates when birth intervals exceeded 2 years and the more favorable the preceding pregnancy the longer the birth interval. Efficiency of maternal care and related variables are closely associated with family size. Infectious diseases particularly gastroenteritis and respiratory infectious diseases have been found to be directly related to family size. Children in large families are smaller in size. Regarding intelligence British studies indicated that within each occupational class the children from the smaller families had the highest scores. The more children a mother has the less attention she can provide for any one of them. Rheumatoid arthritis peptic ulcer and diabetes among fathers are associated with large families. Pediatricians and other health professionals have many opportunities to invoke the potential benefits implicit in effective family planning. These are considered responsibilities for contemporary physicians.