Miscarriage is a traumatic experience that can leave you anxious about getting pregnant again. Questions like “Can I get pregnant again?” and “Do I need infertility treatment?” may run through your mind. But a single miscarriage does not mean you won’t get pregnant again.
How to Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy After a Miscarriage
1. Wait Before Trying Again
Consult your doctor to know how long you should wait before trying to conceive again. Generally, doctors advise waiting up to three months or at least one complete menstrual cycle before trying to get pregnant again. Although you may begin ovulating as soon as two weeks after a miscarriage, you will take 2-3 months to experience regular cycles.
2. Take Your Time to Heal Physically and Mentally
Miscarriages can be physically and mentally exhausting. You will need plenty of rest and self-care after your loss. Don’t try to conceive right away to cope with your loss.
While your physical body will return to normal in a few months, you should still wait to prepare mentally before trying to conceive because it may affect your pregnancy.
Seek help from a therapist, family, or friends. Discussing your anxiety and fear about trying to conceive again can be helpful.
3. Get checked for underlying causes
Miscarriages can occur due to several reasons. To ensure a successful pregnancy after a miscarriage, it is strongly advised to get yourself tested before trying to conceive again.
Certain Health Conditions That Can Increase Your Risk of Another Miscarriage Include:
- Structural deformities of the uterus.
- Genetic abnormalities
- Obesity or being underweight
- Hormonal imbalance disorders like thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Infections in your vagina or uterus
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea
- Microbial infections like toxoplasmosis, listeria, and parvovirus infection
Apollo Cradle Has the Best Team of Highly Qualified Gynaecologists
4. Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet and a Healthy Weight
Consume a well-balanced diet rich in leafy vegetables, pulses, fruits, proteins, and zinc to help your body maintain a healthy pregnancy. Along with it, drink 8 to 10 cups of water every day.
Maintaining a healthy weight for your age and body type is also crucial. Avoid being obese or underweight because it may increase your risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage.
5. Exercise Daily
Keeping up a daily exercise routine will keep you healthy and energised. It can also ensure that your body is in good shape and ready to conceive again. Avoid intense exercise while recovering and focus on low-impact activities such as walking, yoga, or meditation.
Gentle exercise, such as yoga, can also help reduce any stress or anxiety you may feel due to the miscarriage.
6. Take Daily Prenatal Vitamins and Folic Acid Supplements
If you follow a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly, your body will receive many necessary nutrients and minerals. However, studies have indicated that taking prenatal vitamins and supplements, such as folic acid, can lower the chance of miscarriage or other pregnancy complications. Consult your doctor about taking folic acid supplements to help you recover from the miscarriage.
7. Cut Down on Caffeine
Keep your daily coffee intake to 200mg (or around 1-2 cups) when trying to conceive. Studies show that consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine a day may cause complications associated with a baby’s growth and development. Also, avoid chocolate, green tea, energy drinks, and some soft drinks because they all contain caffeine.
8. Quit Smoking and Drinking
If you are trying to conceive, you should be aware that alcohol and tobacco can reduce your fertility and ability to get pregnant.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also affect the baby’s development since it passes through the placenta. Therefore, avoid alcohol to keep the risks to an absolute minimum.
Furthermore, doctors advise quitting smoking because it has been linked to various pregnancy issues, including:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Miscarriage and cot death (sudden death of an infant)
- Breathing problems
9. Avoid Medications, Unless Necessary
When trying to get pregnant, you should abstain from all medications unless your doctor prescribes them to treat an illness or another medical condition. Also, avoid using herbal remedies without first consulting your doctor.
Consider the Following Before Trying to Conceive:
- If you are taking antibiotics for an infection, wait until the antibiotic course is finished and the infection has cleared up.
- If you are taking drug therapy for an ectopic pregnancy, wait at least three months.
- You should wait until the medication course is completed if you are being treated for an illness or disease.
10. Keep Your Health in Check
When trying to get pregnant, it’s critical to follow up with your doctor’s check-ups, especially after a miscarriage. Doctors will help you take the right actions after your miscarriage. They can also advise you if you need any additional infertility treatment.
Remember, miscarriages are not widely discussed but are common. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight, and exercising regularly, can help you achieve a healthy pregnancy the next time.
If you still have questions, schedule an appointment at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital. We provide the highest quality care and most advanced treatment, so you can recover from your previous miscarriage and receive better care this time.
