Introduction: Interpregnancy intervals are the periods of time between consecutive pregnancies. As women undergo various physiological changes during this period, understanding the importance of appropriate interpregnancy intervals is essential. Purpose: Based on a literature review, we aimed to explore the importance of appropriate interpregnancy intervals, the factors associated with their duration, and the potential complications that to short or to long intervals can cause for newborns and women. Methods: A descriptive research method was used. The article-selection process is presented in a PRISMA flow diagram. Thirteen articles published in Slovenian or English within the previous five years were included in the final analysis. Results: Short interpregnancy intervals were more common among women who lived in rural areas, were younger than 18 or older than 35 years, breastfed their children for less than two years, did not use contraception, had irregular menstrual cycles, or resumed sexual intercourse soon after childbirth. They were also more common among women whose previous pregnancy resulted in pregnancy loss, preterm birth, or gestational diabetes. Longer interpregnancy intervals were more likely among women who had experienced gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia during a previous pregnancy, were unmarried, had a lower socioeconomic status, or had been diagnosed with fear of childbirth during any pregnancy. Both short and long interpregnancy intervals were associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, being small for gestational age, congenital anomalies, stillbirth, early neonatal mortality, macrosomia, and cleft lip. In women, non-optimal interpregnancy intervals were associated with an increased risk of anaemia, antenatal and postpartum depression, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, preterm rupture of membranes, postpartum haemorrhage, miscarriage, pelvic organ prolapse, and uterine rupture. Discussion and conclusion: Counselling women about the importance of appropriate interpregnancy intervals and the potential complications for both women and their children plays a crucial role in raising awareness. Appropriate healthcare and individualised management should be provided to every woman during pregnancy and after childbirth. This provides an opportunity to offer timely advice on suitable interpregnancy intervals based on her previous pregnancy outcomes. Graduate midwives play an important role in this process, as they support women throughout the different stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Through appropriate counselling, they can help women make informed decisions regarding family planning.
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