Guide | How Long Should You Wait to Try Again After a Miscarriage?
In October 2000, Stephanie Himel-Nelson became pregnant unexpectedly. She was in law school, and her due date coincided with the bar exam. "I had very mixed feelings," she recalled.
Only after her first miscarriage did she and her husband realize how much they wanted to become parents. "After that miscarriage, we understood that we wanted children—and as soon as possible."
They then experienced a second miscarriage, followed by a third. "We hit rock bottom," she said. "We seriously discussed other options, including adoption."
Modern medicine: No need to wait several months before trying again
Statistics suggest that 8% to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Doctors once advised waiting two to three months after a miscarriage before trying to conceive. Current research, however, finds that a shorter interval does not increase the risk of another miscarriage.
"Medically, there is no required waiting period," said Dr. John R. Sussman, an obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in New Milford, Connecticut.
He also emphasized allowing time for emotional recovery. "The body may be ready before the mind is." Some couples join support groups or seek grief counseling to process loss and anxiety.
After two or three miscarriages, doctors generally recommend a systematic evaluation for chromosomal abnormalities, immune-system problems, or structural abnormalities of the uterus.
While Himel-Nelson was undergoing testing, she became pregnant again unexpectedly. Her son Hollis was born in September 2004. "It felt incredible. I nearly forgot everything that had happened before." Six months later she became pregnant again and later welcomed her second son, Holden.
"Allow yourself to grieve," she said. "Eventually you will have your own happy ending. It may not look as you first imagined, but it will come."
Expert guidance for a healthier next pregnancy
Dr. Sussman notes that although many causes of miscarriage cannot be prevented, some controllable factors can support a healthier next pregnancy:
Stop harmful habits: Smoking may double miscarriage risk, and more than two caffeinated drinks a day, such as coffee or cola, is also associated with miscarriage. Consider decaffeinated drinks.
Avoid overheating: A body temperature above 38°C (100°F) may increase miscarriage risk. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) promptly for fever and avoid hot tubs during pregnancy.
Prioritize safety: Trauma from an accident can end an otherwise healthy pregnancy. Wearing a seat belt and pausing skiing or contact sports are basic precautions.
Guide | How Long Should You Wait to Try Again After a Miscarriage?
Guide | How Long Should You Wait to Try Again After a Miscarriage?
In October 2000, Stephanie Himel-Nelson became pregnant unexpectedly. She was in law school, and her due date coincided with the bar exam. "I had very mixed feelings," she recalled.
Only after her first miscarriage did she and her husband realize how much they wanted to become parents. "After that miscarriage, we understood that we wanted children—and as soon as possible."
They then experienced a second miscarriage, followed by a third. "We hit rock bottom," she said. "We seriously discussed other options, including adoption."
Modern medicine: No need to wait several months before trying again
Statistics suggest that 8% to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Doctors once advised waiting two to three months after a miscarriage before trying to conceive. Current research, however, finds that a shorter interval does not increase the risk of another miscarriage.
"Medically, there is no required waiting period," said Dr. John R. Sussman, an obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in New Milford, Connecticut.
He also emphasized allowing time for emotional recovery. "The body may be ready before the mind is." Some couples join support groups or seek grief counseling to process loss and anxiety.
After two or three miscarriages, doctors generally recommend a systematic evaluation for chromosomal abnormalities, immune-system problems, or structural abnormalities of the uterus.
While Himel-Nelson was undergoing testing, she became pregnant again unexpectedly. Her son Hollis was born in September 2004. "It felt incredible. I nearly forgot everything that had happened before." Six months later she became pregnant again and later welcomed her second son, Holden.
"Allow yourself to grieve," she said. "Eventually you will have your own happy ending. It may not look as you first imagined, but it will come."
Expert guidance for a healthier next pregnancy
Dr. Sussman notes that although many causes of miscarriage cannot be prevented, some controllable factors can support a healthier next pregnancy:
Stop harmful habits: Smoking may double miscarriage risk, and more than two caffeinated drinks a day, such as coffee or cola, is also associated with miscarriage. Consider decaffeinated drinks.
Avoid overheating: A body temperature above 38°C (100°F) may increase miscarriage risk. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) promptly for fever and avoid hot tubs during pregnancy.
Prioritize safety: Trauma from an accident can end an otherwise healthy pregnancy. Wearing a seat belt and pausing skiing or contact sports are basic precautions.
Source:
Collected online