A miscarriage is a heartbreaking experience, both physically and emotionally. After going through the trauma, individuals and couples might wonder when it is safe to try to conceive again. The answer largely depends on the cause of the miscarriage.

A better understanding of the different types of miscarriages and what causes them can help determine when it is safe to try again.

Understanding Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It’s a common occurrence, happening in around ten to 20 percent of all pregnancies. Miscarriage is often caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.

In some cases, however, underlying health issues or lifestyle factors can play a role.

Common Causes of Miscarriage

Some of the common reasons behind miscarriage include:.

Chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus caused by abnormal cell division or genetic problems can prevent the embryo from developing correctly.
Endocrine disorders like uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, etc., can make the body unable to sustain a pregnancy.
Infections, specifically those in the uterine lining, can cause a miscarriage.
Anatomical abnormalities or abnormalities of the uterus, such as incompetent cervix or uterine septum, can lead to a miscarriage.
Abnormal immune system response, like antiphospholipid syndrome, which causes the immune system to produce antiphospholipid antibodies, can lead to blood clotting and ultimately miscarriage.

Types of Miscarriage

There are different types of miscarriage, each with its own set of symptoms and types of treatment.

Missed Miscarriage

A missed miscarriage occurs when the body does not miscarry the pregnancy naturally, and there is no sign of the fetus’s heartbeat.

It may take weeks or months for the body to recognize that the pregnancy has ended, or the person may need medical attention to induce a miscarriage.

Threatened Miscarriage

A threatened miscarriage is characterized by signs of pregnancy loss, such as vaginal bleeding or cramping, without actually ending in a miscarriage.

Those experiencing a threatened miscarriage would be required to take cautionary measures to stop the eventual miscarriage.

Incomplete Miscarriage

An incomplete miscarriage is when only some of the pregnancy tissue is expelled from the uterus, and a woman may need a procedure to remove the remaining tissue.

Complete Miscarriage

A complete miscarriage is when the body passes all pregnancy tissue naturally and without medical intervention.

When is it Safe to Try Again?

The ideal time frame for when it is safe to try again after a miscarriage depends on the nature of the miscarriage. Following a natural miscarriage, the individual can start trying to conceive again after their next menstrual cycle begins.

Inform your gynecologist before proceeding with pregnancy after a miscarriage.

Following a miscarriage that requires medical intervention, such as a surgical procedure, waiting for at least one to two menstrual cycles is generally advised.

It ensures that the body has been given time to heal physically, and the uterus is back to its normal functioning.

It is also essential to consider the cause of the miscarriage before trying again, particularly if the miscarriage occurred due to infections or underlying conditions.

If there is a specific underlying cause, an evaluation will be done, and treatment will be provided accordingly.

Final Word

Miscarriage is a challenging experience, and individuals and couples can struggle with deciding when it is safe to try to conceive again.

Speaking to a healthcare provider, particularly a gynecologist or a fertility specialist, is recommended to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy after a miscarriage.