What is HTSP?

To assess the effects of pregnancy spacing on maternal and newborn health outcomes, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) sponsored six global research studies. Key findings are summarized below.

When pregnancies are too close together:

Less than 24 months from the last live birth to the next pregnancy:

• Newborns can be born too soon, too small, or with a low birth weight.
• Infants and children may not grow well and are more likely to die before the age of five.

Less than six months from the last live birth to the next pregnancy:

• Mothers may die in childbirth.
• Newborns can be born too soon, too small, or with a low birth weight.
• Infants and children may not grow well and are more likely to die before the age of five.