Before trying again to get pregnant, allow yourself to grieve and cope with the pregnancy loss. You and your partner have suffered a significant loss. Your body and mind should be healed so that your next pregnancy is as healthy as possible. The time for this healing process is different for each woman and her partner.
A healthy pregnancy is possible for most women who have had a miscarriage. Even women who have had more than one miscarriage can have a healthy pregnancy. Having a miscarriage doesn't necessarily mean that you cannot have children or that there is something wrong with your health, and it does not make you less fertile. Remember that it is not your fault and it's unlikely that you could have done anything to prevent the pregnancy loss. Your chances of having a baby are still good.
Discuss with your partner when you want to start trying again. It is possible to become pregnant again soon after a miscarriage, so if you do not want to become pregnant again right away, use birth control until you are physically and emotionally ready. If you want to become pregnant again, the World Health Organisation recommends waiting at least 6 months after your first miscarriage before attempting another pregnancy. However, there is research that indicates that there is no need to wait to become pregnant again after a miscarriage. When you are ready to start trying to get pregnant again, discuss your decision with your doctor.
There are some things you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy:
- have a complete medical exam before you try to get pregnant again
- quit smoking if you smoke
- reduce alcohol consumption
- reduce caffeine consumption
- get enough physical activity (check with your doctor when you can start exercising again after a miscarriage)
- take a multivitamin supplement that contains at least 0.4 mg of folic acid, starting at least 3 months before conception
- maintain a healthy weight
- eat a healthy, nutritious diet by following recommendations in Canada's Food Guide
- check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications
When you are ready to start trying to get pregnant again, discuss your decision with your doctor. For your peace of mind, try not to compare your current experience with your previous one. No two pregnancies are exactly the same. To keep you motivated, consider talking to people who have had a successful pregnancy after a miscarriage.
Pregnancy loss is a difficult experience. You and your partner need to get through this difficult time together as a team. Talk to each other to keep your relationship strong. Consider talking to your doctor about your loss. Your family doctor can also refer you to a counsellor or psychologist who specializes in helping couples who have experienced a miscarriage.
Remember that many couples have a successful, healthy pregnancy after a miscarriage.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Coping-with-Miscarriage