Healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy (HTSP) is an approach to family planning that helps women and families delay, space, or limit their pregnancies to achieve the healthiest outcomes for women, newborns, infants, and children. HTSP works within the context of free and informed contraceptive choice and takes into account fertility intentions and desired family size.

• Women should delay their first pregnancy until at least age 18.
• After a live birth, women should wait at least 24 months before attempting another pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of adverse maternal, perinatal and infant outcomes.
• After a miscarriage or induced abortion, women should wait at least 6 months before attempting another pregnancy to reduce risks of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

• Key evidence on the health benefits of HTSP
• International policy guidance from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNFPA, and USAID
• Guidance and tools for advocating for HTSP
• Health communication tools that support the promotion of HTSP
• Training materials, counseling tools, and job aids for integrating HTSP counseling and messaging into health services
• Guidance and indicators for monitoring and evaluating HTSP efforts
• Examples of country-specific recommendations and experiences with HTSP messaging and programming