Thinking about pregnancy after miscarriage?
You might be anxious or confused about what caused your miscarriage and when to conceive again.
Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week.
Many miscarriages occur because the fetus isn’t developing normally.
Problems with the baby’s chromosomes are responsible for about 50 percent of early pregnancy loss.
Sometimes a health condition, such as poorly controlled diabetes or a uterine problem, might lead to miscarriage.
Often, however, the cause of miscarriage isn’t known.
About 8 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Miscarriage is usually a one-time occurrence.
Most women who miscarry go on to have healthy pregnancies after miscarriage.
A small number of women1 percentwill have repeated miscarriages.
The predicted risk of miscarriage in a future pregnancy remains about 20 percent after one miscarriage.
Miscarriage can cause intense feelings of loss.
You and your partner might also experience sadness, anxiety or guilt.
Don’t rush the grieving process.
Typically, sex isn’t recommended for two weeks after a miscarriage to prevent an infection.
you’re able to ovulate and become pregnant as soon as two weeks after a miscarriage.
Once you feel emotionally and physically ready for pregnancy after miscarriage, ask your health care provider for guidance.
After one miscarriage, there might be no need to wait to conceive.
After two or more miscarriages, your health care provider might recommend testing.
For example:
Procedures can also be done to detect uterine problems.
For example:
If the cause of your miscarriages can’t be identified, don’t lose hope.
Most women who experience repeated miscarriages are likely to eventually have healthy pregnancies.
Often, there’s nothing you’re able to do to prevent a miscarriage.
However, making healthy lifestyle choices is important for you and your baby.
Take a daily prenatal vitamin or folic acid supplement, ideally beginning a few months before conception.
During pregnancy, limit caffeine and avoid drinking alcohol, smoking and using illicit drugs.
Once you become pregnant again after miscarriage, you’ll likely feel joyfulas well as anxious.
Talk about your feelings and allow yourself to experience them fully.
Turn to your partner, family and friends for comfort.
If you’re having trouble coping, consult your health care provider or a counselor for extra support.
Updated: 10/27/2021
Publication Date: 12/21/2010
