New advice on when best to try for a baby after miscarriage
Although the experience is sadly more common than many people realise, there are still a lot of unanswered questions and confusion surrounding miscarriages – with one being how soon after a miscarriage is it okay to try to conceive again.
Now, new research suggests that the previous advice of waiting several months after a pregnancy loss (or abortion) to lower any risks may be redundant, according to a peer-reviewed study published by the PLOS Medicine journal.
The study looked at a "total of 49,058 births following a previous miscarriage and 23,707 births following a previous induced abortion in Norway between 2008 and 2016" and concluded that "conceiving within 3 months after a miscarriage or an induced abortion is not associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes".
As for trying to fall pregnant immediately after an abortion or miscarriage, the study authors added: "In combination with previous research, these results suggest that women could attempt pregnancy soon after a previous miscarriage or induced abortion without increasing perinatal health risks."
However, it is certainly worth noting that the World Health Organisation, for instance, recommends a six month gap, whereas baby loss charity, Tommy's, says it's a personal choice and that it's best to wait until you're emotionally ready (which has no set time frame).
"Clinicians may advise waiting if they've referred you for genetic testing in some cases," midwife Juliette Ward told Cosmopolitan UK previously when discussing miscarriage myths. "However, for most people the general advice is 'there's no rush' and it is a personal choice.
"Waiting until your physical symptoms have gone can be helpful, as can waiting for one complete menstrual cycle, as it makes dating a potential later pregnancy easier, whilst also allowing a few weeks for your heart to begin mending."
As with anything medical, if you have questions, it's always best to chat to a professional who has access to your personal health records and who can offer personalised advice.
If you're looking for support or more information about premature births, stillbirths or miscarriage, Tommy's have a free helpline 0800 0147 800 (open 9 - 5, Monday to Friday) and be contacted via email on midwife@tommys.org. There's also a Facebook group.
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