Differential pattern of birth intervals in Bangladesh

Differences in a country’s fertility levels can be attributed to the differences in the length of the reproductive life of women and differences in the length of time between births when women are exposed to the risk of conception. Analysis of those factors influencing the span and those affecting the spacing of fertility has proven useful, since in many cases they appear to vary quite substantially across populations (Rodriguez and others, 1984). In recent years, policy makers and planners have focused a great deal of attention on the birth interval and its determinants. The reasons are that not only does the number of births a women may have during her reproductive span depend on the spacing between the births but also there is a significant link between birth spacing and maternal and child health (Miller and others, 1992). Thus, the spacing of births through a deliberately prolonged interval between births and a delay in child bearing following marriage could be logical alternative strategies for fertility control.