How Long to Try Again After Miscarriage?

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20^th week as a result of development abnormalities in the fetus. A whopping 10% to 20% of all pregnancies end up in miscarriage. Many times, the cause of the miscarriage is not known. Most women who miscarry go on to have healthy pregnancies. Only about 1% will have another miscarriage.

The time you should wait before trying again varies from person to person. You ought to wait until you’ve healed both physically and emotionally. You should also consult with your partner to find out how they feel about it before trying to conceive again. If you have a D&C you might want to wait for 3 months or more before trying again, and the healing time is longer when you were further in pregnancy. You also need to allow 6 months or more in conditions like molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy.

Emotional Considerations

You will feel angry, depressed, anxious, frustrated and sad after losing a pregnancy. You can expect these feelings to escalate a few months after the loss. Trying to conceive during this period of grief can be a bad idea. You should wait until all emotional issues are resolved.

Physical Considerations

The type of miscarriage you experienced can determine when you’ll be physically ready to try again. Did the miscarriage happen on its own, during labor or was it an emergency surgery? Have you begun producing milk? Are you experiencing bleeding? These are factors you need to consider. Your doctor should be able to guide you on this

Age

Studies show that the older you are, the higher the likelihood of a miscarriage. This is probably down to the fact that their eggs or sperms are more likely to have genetic defects. About 30% of all pregnancies after the age 40 end in miscarriage. You should try your best to have all your kids before the age of 40.

Thyroid Imbalance

Thyroid imbalances can affect hormone levels in the body. This includes the hormones that play a key role in pregnancy. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause a miscarriage. It is important to have your thyroid levels checked before you decide to try for a child again. Ensure to carry out tests throughout the pregnancy as well if you have a history of thyroid problems.

Vitamin Levels

Vitamin D and B deficiencies can increase the risk of miscarriage. An oversupply of vitamin A can lead to complications during pregnancy. You should get your vitamin levels checked by your doctor. You should also take prenatal vitamins to lessen the odds of miscarriage.

Weight Issues

Obesity increases the risk of miscarriage. If you have a BMI of 30 and above, you need to get on a weight loss program before trying for a baby. Similarly, being underweight can also be a risk factor. So, how long after miscarriage can you try again? Once you get your weight under control.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Steer clear of the bad stuff. Smokers are more likely to have a miscarriage than people who have never smoked. Consuming lots of alcohol around the time of conception by you and your partner can increase the chances of a miscarriage. Get off the booze and cigarettes when you’re ready to try again.

STDs

Have any sexually transmitted disease? Syphilis and hepatitis have been known to increase the chances of having a miscarriage. Get tested and treated before you get pregnant.

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are benign tumors that are quite common in women as they grow older. If you have very large fibroids, they can cause complications during pregnancy. They can cause miscarriage if they are located in certain areas of the uterus or if they start growing due to hormones produced during pregnancy.

Chronic Diseases

If you have an autoimmune disease, kidney disease, diabetes or PCOS, you are more likely to miscarry than someone who does not. People with these conditions are usually classified as high risk when they fall pregnant. You should have your doctor keep a close eye on you. They will help manage the condition and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Medications

Avoid taking over the counter medication. You shouldn’t even be buying painkillers without the express authority of your doctor when you’re pregnant. Some medications can cause birth defects and even miscarriages.

Toxins in the Environment

You should avoid areas where you are exposed to lead, organic solvents, mercury and ionizing radiation as they increase the risk of miscarriage. These toxins can be present in the home or at your workplace. You should be aware of your environment and what you might be exposing yourself to. Nonetheless, the levels of exposure that can cause miscarriage are often high enough to cause side effects. Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure what steps to take.

How long after miscarriage can you try again? Wait until you’re physically and mentally ready for it. You should also consult with your doctor.