How long a woman should wait to conceive after a miscarriage has always been up for debate, but a recent study published in the journal BMJ found that there are no adverse effects to conceiving again right away. In the case of a single miscarriage, the outcome of the subsequent pregnancy was typically better when conception happened within six months of the first miscarriage. These findings really help bring the decision about when to conceive again back into the mother’s court. No longer is she ordered to wait 18 months to 24 months, which can really put a damper on family plans. Instead, the time line hinges on one question, “Am I emotionally ready to conceive again?”
For some women, another pregnancy is exactly what is needed to help mend a broken heart. For others, it might serve as a painful reminder of the loss. It is a personal decision that should be made within the family, taking into account health, age, emotions and family plans.
The risk of miscarriage increases with age. If a woman is 35 or older and experiences a miscarriage, it might be wise to conceive again sooner than later, since her chances of conceiving will continue to decrease as she ages.
Sometimes the lost pregnancy was achieved through special fertility treatments. Deciding whether to go through that process once more can be difficult. Finances may play larger part in whether the couple will try to conceive again and how soon.
If you have recently experienced a miscarriage and want to try to get pregnant again right away, schedule an exam with your doctor to confirm that you are healthy and ready. You want to make sure that all the tissues and blood from the lost pregnancy are flushed out. Continue to take prenatal vitamins as well.