Pregnancy After Loss

Becoming pregnant after the loss of one pregnancy or child can be a stressful time for many couples. The many emotions that surround this time can often become overwhelming. Among many other emotions, it is normal to feel scared, excited and anxious.

After a miscarriage, stillbirth or spontaneous loss of a child, the timing for trying to conceive is often a major concern. Many couples wonder when they can safely attempt another pregnancy. The answer varies for everyone. While most doctors agree that it is medically safe to become pregnant after two or three normal mesntrual cycles, there are other factors to consider. Your body may be physically ready for conception, but are you emotionally ready? Every individual will handle the loss differently and while it may take only a short amount of time for some to heal, it may take others longer. To make a subsequent pregnancy less stressful and more enjoyable, give yourself an adequate amount of time to heal both physically and emotionally.

Some women find it reassuring to discuss their loss with a counselor, maternal-fetal specialist or geneticist before becoming pregnant. A counselor will be available to help with emotional concerns regarding the incident and can provide healthy methods to expedite the healing process. Maternal-fetal specialists and geneticist can consult with couples before pregnancy to ensure that a subsequent pregnancy has the best chances of success. Anyone that has experienced more than 2 miscarirages or stillbirths is a candidate for this consultation. Women may also choose to consult with a specialist if they are over the age of 35, have an illness that affects the outcome of pregnancy or has experienced fertility problems in the past. Sometimes, through the use of tests and autopsies, doctors are able to determine the cause for the loss. If this is the case, it is important to finish testing before trying to conceive. When the cause is determined, healthcare providers can take precautions to ensure that it does not happen during a subsequent pregnancy.

Once you have conceived after the loss of a pregnancy or child, try to stay calm and hope for the best. The majority of women that experience a miscarriage or stillbirth will go on to have a successful pregnancy. Most healthcare providers are willing to provide additional monitoring and care to patients that have suffered a loss in the past. If you know why the loss occurred, work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure that it does not happen again. For example, a woman that went into preterm labor because of an incompetent cervix may require a cerclage to keep the cervix from dilating too early.

You may wish to join a support group for parents that have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or child. Often times, meeting people that have experienced a similar situation can help make a new pregnancy less stressful and scary. Hearing success stories from those that have experienced a loss and a survival are also beneficial. During this time of pregnancy, it is most important to take the time to take care of yourself and your growing baby!