Should You Try for Pregnancy After Miscarriage? In Most Cases, Yes.

Pregnancy loss can be incredibly tough, but it doesn’t mean you should give up on a pregnancy after miscarriage – or infertility treatments

A miscarriage is something many women go through, and it happens more often than you might think – occurring in up to 20% of known pregnancies. I want to reassure you that just because you’ve experienced a miscarriage doesn’t mean you won’t go on to have a healthy pregnancy.

That’s an understandable worry, and unfortunately it causes some women and couples to stop trying to conceive. It’s also a reason why some want to give up on fertility treatments they are already undergoing.

The first, essential issue is to take care of yourself physically and emotionally after a miscarriage. Let’s talk about how to do that. Then we’ll discuss whether you want to try again and the various elements in that decision.

After miscarriage care: physical recovery

Grieving after a miscarriage is personal, and as I always say, There’s no “right” way to feel. Losing a child in miscarriage can flood you with emotions. Actually, a good first step in addressing that is to take care of your body by properly recovering.

Your body needs time to heal after a miscarriage, and it’s crucial to allow yourself that time. Following my advice or your OB-GYN’s on rest, activity levels and when to ease back into your normal routine is key. Make sure to attend all your follow-up appointments so your provider can monitor your recovery and address any concerns that come up.

Proper nutrition, staying hydrated and getting enough rest are essential for your physical healing. If you notice anything unusual, such as heavy bleeding, fever or severe pain, please reach out to your provider immediately.

It’s also important to discuss any changes you might be experiencing, like menstrual irregularities or hormonal fluctuations, during your follow-up visits. Sometimes, additional tests may be needed to ensure there are no underlying issues. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is just as important during this time, which means eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.

Gentle physical activities like walking can be beneficial, but always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding exercise. Understanding and responding to your body’s signals with care is crucial as you navigate this healing process.

Emotional miscarriage support

Whether you’re finding it tough to cope or just need someone to talk to, reaching out for support is essential. I often recommend speaking with a counselor or joining a support group – sometimes just knowing you’re not alone can make a huge difference. And remember to lean on your partner, family, friends and your doctor. We’re all here to support you.

Getting support is often vital to caring for your emotional well-being. Doing things for yourself in that regard also helps and can become an aspect of building your self-esteem back up. I encourage you to prioritize self-care during this time by engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you feel more like yourself.

Whether it’s through hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking things one day at a time, finding ways to nurture your emotional health is crucial. Set small, achievable goals to regain a sense of control and purpose, and don’t hesitate to explore new interests that bring fulfillment into your life.

Be patient with yourself – healing is a process, and it’s okay to seek help and take breaks when needed. Allow yourself to experience moments of joy without guilt and remember to rely on your support system. There’s still plenty of hope for the future, and you have the strength to navigate this challenging time at your own pace.

Taking steps toward pregnancy after miscarriage

It’s completely natural to have questions about what comes next after a miscarriage as far as possible conception. If you’re concerned about trying again or worried about getting pregnant, know that 85% of women have found pregnancy success after experiencing a miscarriage.

When you think you are ready to try to conceive again, make sure you have gone over this with your OB-GYN or fertility specialist. Our examinations and insights can indicate whether or not you are ready to proceed.

Here are some general guidelines on when to consider trying to conceive again. First, make sure bleeding has stopped from the miscarriage. It’s a good idea to wait one menstrual cycle after miscarriage at least, as the miscarriage will affect the length of the next cycle.

Some studies indicate there is no need to wait to try to conceive after miscarriage. But if your miscarriage came in the second trimester, you should seek medical advice before trying to conceive again.

The driving factor is when you feel ready physically and emotionally.

Concern about recurrent miscarriage

Having another miscarriage after one before it is called recurrent miscarriage, and it is considered a cause of infertility. Only 2% of pregnant women have two miscarriages in a row. Only 1% have three pregnancy losses in a row. Because chances of miscarriage do increase more after the first recurrent one, we want to get you into a treatment plan to address that.

We’ll conduct tests to try to pinpoint the cause of the miscarriages. Even if we can’t diagnose the exact cause of the recurrent miscarriage, it does not mean you should stop trying to conceive. The fact is that most people who have recurrent miscarriage do have healthy pregnancies later.

More on recurrent miscarriage

Should I keep going with infertility treatments after miscarriage?

Patients undergoing infertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) do have miscarriages. It is not unusual for women and couples to consider stopping fertility treatment, as the prospect of getting pregnant again through treatments only to lose the pregnancy again can make people reluctant to keep trying.

I completely understand this reluctance and I always defer to the patient on such decisions. I will give you my best assessment and advice on the medical prospects of success or failure, but that’s your decision. One may be physically ready, but not emotionally.

It is not unusual for patients to take a break from fertility treatments. And it is perfectly fine to give up on treatments altogether.

As far as a miscarriage making fertility treatments less effective, that’s not the case. An encouraging University of Aberdeen study showed that women who had a miscarriage after one round of IVF are more likely to get pregnant with further treatment than are women who failed to get pregnant through IVF in the first round.

Related reading: After miscarriage, Amy thought about giving up on infertility treatment

Final thoughts on pregnancy after miscarriage

There are many ways we can work together to boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy in the future after a miscarriage. I can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and health needs.

Staying informed about your options, from prenatal care to fertility treatments, can empower you to make the best decisions moving forward. Remember, there’s hope, and we can create a plan that works for you.