Getting Pregnant After A Miscarriage: What You Need To Know

Thinking about conceiving again after a miscarriage? Well, it is obvious to feel nervous about getting pregnant after a miscarriage. You might worry about your current pregnancy. Medical research suggests that most women who get pregnant after a miscarriage deliver healthy babies.

Pregnancy after miscarriage can be stressful and confusing and might not always be a straight line. Here’s everything you need to know about conceiving again and having a healthy pregnancy after miscarriage.

What Causes Miscarriage?

Miscarriage is when you lose your baby before the 20th week. Many miscarriages occur because the foetus doesn’t develop normally. According to research, about 50% of early miscarriages are due to problems with the baby’s chromosomes.

Sometimes a health condition, such as poorly controlled diabetes or a uterine problem, might also lead to a pregnancy loss.

Medical records show that about 8 to 20 per cent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage and the total number of actual miscarriages is probably higher because many women miscarry before they even know that they’re pregnant.

How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After Miscarriage?

Miscarriage can cause intense feelings of loss and it is natural for you and your partner to experience sadness, anxiety and guilt. Therefore, it is not advisable to rush the grieving process.

You will be surprised to know that you can ovulate and become pregnant as soon as two weeks after a miscarriage.

Once you feel emotionally and physically ready for conceiving again after a miscarriage, you can consult a doctor for guidance.

Are There Any Recommended Tests Before Attempting Pregnancy After Miscarriage?

If you experience two or more consecutive miscarriages, your doctor might recommend testing to identify any underlying causes before you attempt to conceive again. Some of these tests include:

• Blood tests: Blood tests can be recommended to check for hormone levels (thyroid, progesterone), blood clotting disorders, or autoimmune disorders.
• Genetic tests: Karyotyping is recommended by the doctor to look for genetic variations in either partner that might be affecting chromosomes at conception.
• Ultrasound:  An ultrasound (transvaginal or abdominal) can be prescribed to examine the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
• Hysterosalpingogram: Hysterosalpingogram is a procedure to visualise the uterus and fallopian tubes where your uterus is injected with a radioactive dye for an X-ray reading.
• Sonohysterogram: Sonohysterogram is a procedure to visualise the uterus and lining where your uterus is injected with fluid for reading an image via a transvaginal ultrasound.
• Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscopy is a procedure used to visualise the cervix and uterus where a thin, lighted tube (called a hysteroscope) is inserted into the vagina.
• Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a procedure used to visualise the outside of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries where a specialised camera (called endoscope) is inserted into the body through an incision in the abdomen.

Tips to Improve The Chances of A Healthy Pregnancy

Here are some tips that you can follow to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy:

1. It is advisable to manage your underlying health condition and get a full-body check-up before trying to conceive if you are suffering from any health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
2. Try to manage your weight. Being overweight can increase the chances of miscarriage again. Maintaining health is key to a healthy pregnancy.
3. Manage stress levels as it might make it difficult for you to get pregnant and can lead to a high-risk pregnancy. If you feel anxious, you can try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and acupuncture.
4. Try to avoid caffeine and quit smoking and consuming alcohol.
5. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly after consulting a doctor. These are a prerequisite to conceiving as well as for the growth and development of the baby.

Once you become pregnant again after a miscarriage, it is likely for you to feel joyful as well as anxious. It is advisable to share your feelings with your partner and connect with your doctor as he/she can guide you through the journey. The good news is that, for a majority of women with a history of miscarriage, the odds of carrying a pregnancy to term and meeting your rainbow baby are in your favour.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.