If you've already had a miscarriage, you might be concerned about conceiving another child. While this is a concern that troubles many women, you shouldn't let that get in the way of your desire to have a family. By understanding more about pregnancy after miscarriage, you'll be better prepared to have a more successful pregnancy.
Does One Miscarriage Mean You'll Have Another?
The causes of a miscarriage vary and, in many cases, the cause is left undiscovered, but this doesn't necessarily mean you'll have another one. In the most general terms, a miscarriage is the loss of a baby before the 20th week, which is the result of an abnormally developing fetus. In almost half of the instances, the miscarriage results from chromosomal problems in the fetus, which has little to do with the genetics of the parents. Since it's more a matter of chance, there's no reason to suspect that getting pregnant after miscarriage will result in another failed pregnancy. Getting professional help can improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
A Closer Look at the Odds
In fact, research shows that less than 1% of women who have previously miscarried will have a second miscarriage. While your doctor or fertility specialist can speak to your specific situation, there's a 14% of having a second miscarriage. That rate rises to 26% for a third miscarriage with women who have previously had two miscarriages. While your chances of getting pregnant after miscarriage drop with a history of miscarriages, you should not be overly concerned about having a second miscarriage. So, while the question of can you get pregnant after a miscarriage may change with additional miscarriages, you shouldn't let one miscarriage sway you from trying to conceive.
How Soon After a Miscarriage Can You Get Pregnant?
The answer to this question largely depends on you and your partner. Before discussing the medical restrictions, it's important to note that feelings of grief, loss, and anger may play a part in determining when you'll be ready to try again. From a physiological standpoint, your doctor or fertility specialist will probably advise you to abstain from sexual activity for at least the first two weeks following the miscarriage. This is to prevent infection. It should also be noted that it can take up to six weeks for your menstrual cycle to resume and you can conceive through this period.
When Should You and Your Partner Try Again?
If you're still nervous about how long to get pregnant after miscarriage, it may help to know that it essentially comes down to a personal choice. However, research has found that women who conceive within six months of their miscarriage experience fewer complications than those who wait. While you may ask your doctor how long after miscarriage can I get pregnant, he will likely recommend trying again as soon as you feel up to it. However, if you have had more than one miscarriage already, your doctor may recommend fertility testing and other exams to ensure you're healthy and capable of carrying a pregnancy to term.
Getting Tested May Be a Wise Precaution
If you have had two or more miscarriages or if you're concerned about passing on genetic defects, it may help to get tested by a fertility specialist or your OB/GYN caregiver. A simple blood test is one way to identify hormonal problems that can affect your ability to have a successful pregnancy. Additionally, you and your partner may be asked to undergo chromosomal tests. These tests will determine if either of you are passing genetic defects on to your child. Other exams can also be conducted to determine if there are physical abnormalities in your body, which may affect your ability to conceive and carry a healthy baby.If you have had a miscarriage in the past, there's no reason to assume you cannot have a baby. Once you and your partner decide to try again, the first thing you should do is discuss your hope of having a baby with your doctor. Your physician can guide you and offer recommendations to improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
