The prospect of conceiving after a miscarriage can be scary. You want to try again, but you don’t want to go through the pain of another miscarriage. It may comfort you to know that most women who miscarry are able to have a healthy baby in the future.
What Causes Miscarriage?
Miscarriage may be caused by a number of things. However, the most common cause is related to abnormal chromosomes. Most often, your baby simply wasn’t able to grow properly due to a genetic problem, which doesn’t necessarily mean that there is anything genetically wrong with you or your partner. Everyone has some sperm or eggs with chromosomal abnormalities, and this becomes a more prevalent problem as you age.
Miscarriages can also be caused by health problems, like hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes. And you may also have structural problems with your uterus that prevent you from supporting a pregnancy to term without intervention.
How Likely Am I to Have Another Miscarriage?
Miscarriage is a common problem, affecting one out of 10 known pregnancies. Researchers believe the true number is even higher because many women miscarry before realizing they’re pregnant.
If you’ve had one miscarriage, your chances of having another are about 20%, and the risk rises to 25% after the second. After three or more miscarriages, your risk rises again to 30-40%. Because of this increased risk, it’s important to see a fertility specialist at a reproductive clinic after multiple miscarriages.
Are There Tests to Learn Why I Miscarried?
Only 1% of women experience multiple miscarriages, so your OB/GYN or family doctor probably won’t recommend tests after your first miscarriage. However, you may choose to undergo a fertility assessment at a reproductive clinic to help you feel more comfortable about trying to get pregnant.
In most cases, couples are referred to a fertility center after having two or more miscarriages. At this stage, it’s important to run tests, like those listed below, to see if you have any structural problems or health conditions that make it more likely you’ll miscarry in the future.
- Genetic tests to look for abnormal chromosomes
- Transvaginal and/or abdominal ultrasounds
- Blood tests to check for disorders and measure your hormone levels
- Sonohysterogram (ultrasound using saline to help the doctor see your uterus clearly)
- Hysteroscopy (using a small light to view your cervix and uterus)
- Hysterosalpingogram (an X-ray of your uterus using dye to illuminate any problems)
- Laparoscopy (using a camera inserted through an incision in your abdomen to examine your reproductive organs)
What Can Be Done to Prevent Miscarriages?
If problems are found during your fertility assessment or diagnostic tests at your fertility center, your doctor will talk to you about treatment options. Depending on the underlying problem, you may need treatments such as surgery, medication, or even in vitro fertilization to have a successful pregnancy.
You should never blame yourself or your partner for miscarrying. In most cases, the cause of miscarriage is unknown and could not have been prevented, particularly if this is your first miscarriage.
There are things you can do to improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy in the future, including:
- Striving for a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting plenty of folic acid and other important vitamins
- Engaging in moderate exercise
- Abstaining from alcohol use
- Quitting smoking and other drugs
- Limiting your caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg per day
- Managing chronic conditions
How Soon Should We Try Conceiving After Miscarriage?
The answer depends on several factors. In general, couples are always advised by their reproductive clinic to wait at least two weeks after a miscarriage to begin having sexual intercourse in order to avoid the possibility of an infection. After that, you may be able to try again. If you’ve had certain procedures, such as a D&C, you may need to wait longer.
There is some evidence that couples are more successful in conceiving if they try within the first three months after a miscarriage. If you do feel ready to try again, this could be the optimal time. You do still have good odds of conceiving after this period has passed, and there’s no need to rush if you aren’t emotionally ready.
It’s important to talk with your partner about when to try again, and it’s often a good idea to talk with a therapist after experiencing a miscarriage. At Reproductive Health and Wellness Center, we offer fertility counseling for both individuals and couples as part of your comprehensive care at our fertility center.
Coping With Pregnancy After Miscarriage
You may experience a range of conflicting emotions once you become pregnant. You may be simultaneously thrilled and also terrified of miscarrying again. Or you may feel guilty about celebrating your new pregnancy because you’re still grieving the pregnancy you lost.
These feelings are completely natural. Acknowledge them and talk to your partner. Make decisions together about sensitive topics, like when to tell others you’re pregnant and when to begin painting the baby’s room, so you both feel more comfortable. And seek treatment from a therapist if you need help coping.
Talk to RHWC About Conceiving After Miscarriage
Miscarrying is a heartbreaking experience that no one wants to repeat. At Reproductive Health and Wellness Center, we understand that the prospect of conceiving after miscarriage often comes with equal measures of hope and fear. That’s why we always approach your care with compassion and take the time to address all your questions and concerns.
If you’ve experienced a miscarriage, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to begin your fertility journey at Reproductive Health and Wellness Center.
At Reproductive Health and Wellness Center, we are experts at treating fertility issues. We provide the latest in cutting-edge embryo science by using the latest technologies, and we create innovative fertility plans tailored specifically to each individual. But we’re so much more.