Miscarriage can be incredibly traumatic for women and their partners, so the idea of trying again can be daunting and scary. Therefore, it’s only natural for you to have plenty of questions. So, with hopes of answering some of those difficult but important questions, we’ve put together this article, beginning with possibly the most common question – How long should I wait before trying again?

How long should I wait before trying again?

There is no recommended period of time to wait before trying to conceive again. It can take some time for a woman’s period to resume as before, so most women wait until they have a regular period before trying again so they know their hormones are back to normal and also so the doctor can more easily calculate the dates of the pregnancy. But this isn’t always the case and isn’t strictly necessary.

There is no data to suggest that waiting longer reduces the risk, so unless a doctor has said otherwise, the right time is simply when you feel that you are ready to try again. There are medical instances that require the use of drugs and might therefore temporarily halt the process, such as thrombosis; but a doctor will inform you if this is the case.

What contraception should I use in the meantime?

In some cases, doctors may want to run certain tests or examinations to determine a possible cause for miscarriage, or a woman may undergo treatment to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. If this happens to be the case, it might be safest for a hopeful mother to refrain from getting pregnant and so use contraception. Some will also simply want to use contraception until they feel physically and emotionally ready to try again.

But which contraception is best?

You may have heard that the combined oral contraceptive pill is harmful when embarking on your next pregnancy. However, these rumours are untrue. If anything, research suggests that the risk of miscarriage is actually slightly lower in combined pill users. It’s also untrue that the combined pill causes delays in getting pregnant once you decide to stop taking it.

When it comes to progesterone-only pills, there are fewer benefits. While there’s no evidence to suggest that they increase the risk of miscarriage, they won’t help to control ovulation and they can cause irregular bleeding. However, if you’re unable to take oestrogen in combined pills, progesterone-only pills are a good option. As too are all barrier methods, including condoms and diaphragms; though they’re not as effective as hormonal contraception in preventing pregnancy.

The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD), also known as the coil, isn’t generally recommended because there is a possibility that it will cause infection in the uterus or pelvis and potentially lead to infertility.

If you are able to take the combined oral contraceptive pill, it is probably the best and safest choice.

How do I prepare myself emotionally before trying again?

This is potentially the trickiest part, made even trickier because there is no one right answer that fits all. For some, the best cause of action is to try and get pregnant again as soon as possible. But this can be rather stressful if a woman doesn’t immediately become pregnant. If this does happen, see if you can get some time away from work and everyday life and go on a nice holiday. And try as hard as you can not to think or talk about getting pregnant during this time (we know it’s easier said than done but it’s often the turning point).

For others, the fear of losing another pregnancy causes them to put a temporary stop to the process; and that’s completely okay! Try as much as possible to open up to others about your fears. Whether you choose to speak to your partner, your best friend, your sister or a counsellor is completely up to you. Many find that talking to someone who can remain detached and objective really helps. Most clinics have miscarriage counsellors who will be happy to listen and help you as best they can.

Though it can be incredibly hard and even triggering, it’s helpful to collect as much information as you can about your miscarriage, as knowledge and understanding might be the key to a healthy pregnancy next time.

Should I try alternative medicines?

If you are someone that believes in alternative medicines such as acupuncture and homoeopathy, then, by all means, give them a try. However, do be careful when it comes to Chinese herbal remedies, as some of the more potent herbs can affect the endometrium or womb lining.

Pregnancy After a Miscarriage