Conception After Miscarriage

Conception after MiscarriageThe loss of a child, even when it is still developing in the womb, is one the most difficult losses to come to terms with.  Conception after miscarriage shouldn't be your first thought.  Your body and heart need to recover from the pain.  Mourning is natural.  There is always a feeling that you did something wrong, that it was your fault, even though the fact is that miscarriages are very common.  They happen in about 15-20 percent of pregnancies.  Once you and your partner have both agreed that the time has come to consider conception aagain, after miscarriage; first make sure that, your doctor has given you the okay and, second, make sure you are ready and you are relaxed.  Stress is one of the major causes of not getting pregnant after miscarriage.  Don't try too hard—let it happen naturally.

Recovering after a miscarriage

The most important thing to do is seek advice from your health care provider concerning conception after miscarriage.  Your doctor will monitor your physical well-being and advise you about fertility after miscarriage.  All the experts agree that your fertility levels after a miscarriage will not decrease; once you have your first period your fertility levels should return to normal.  The only exception to the chance of pregnancy after miscarriage is if you are over 35 and have had two previous miscarriages.  You may then benefit from consulting with specialists as you look forward to planning another pregnancy.

• Periods should return, at the latest, in six weeks; in the meantime be gentle with yourself.
• For your first period, use sanitary pads; tampons may be used for subsequent periods.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until your health care professional feels you have healed.
• Abdominal pain is normal after a miscarriage.  If it persists for longer than a few days however, consult your doctor.
• If possible, have a shower rather than bathe frequently for the first week or so.
• Avoid jacuzzis, spas and swimming pools until you feel you are back to normal.
• Your daily routine can return to normal as soon as you feel well enough.  However any vigorous activities or sports should resume only after consulting with your doctor.

Ready to try again

While you are recovering and thinking about conception after miscarriage, use this time to strengthen your body.  Take a folic acid supplement and maintain a good diet.  The importance of a healthy, balance diet cannot be underestimated.  Not only is it extremely good for you, but most experts agree that your newborn will "taste" your breast milk (which is best).  When your little bundle of joy starts to eat, he/she will accept vegetables and fruits more easily.  It may seem obvious but, for you and your baby, stop smoking, drinking and taking non-prescribed drugs.  Even though there is divided opinion, cut out caffeine in order to increase your chances of getting pregnant after miscarriage.

Looking Forward

The majority of women, even after several miscarriages, go on to have healthy babies.  Having no history of miscarriages, you have an 80 to 85 percent chance of conceiving.  If you have had one miscarriage, the percentage is still 80 percent; with two miscarriages, it's 72 percent.  Even after many miscarriages, you still have a 50 percent chance of getting pregnant after miscarriage.[source]