Miscarriages are common, with 15 to 20% of all pregnancies ending in a miscarriage. They mainly happen in the first trimester (up to 13 weeks). A pregnancy that abruptly ends in miscarriage can be heartbreaking, not to mention raise concerns in the couple about future fertility. However, it should be noted even one or two miscarriages are not always indicative of future infertility, but in some cases, infertility may be associated. So, it is important to see your gynaecologist before you plan for pregnancy.
The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Asha Baxi, Senior Consultant – Fertility Expert, Motherhood Fertility & IVF, to explain to you whether miscarriage can affect fertility and ovulation, whether you can conceive after a miscarriage, tips to take care of your fertility post miscarriage, and more.
Does A Miscarriage Affect Fertility?
In most cases, it will not affect fertility. A miscarriage that occurs early in a pregnancy is unlikely to cause uterine problems that will affect future pregnancies.
The phrase “miscarriage” refers to the loss of a pregnancy due to natural causes. In most cases, it will not affect fertility. A miscarriage that occurs early in a pregnancy is unlikely to cause uterine problems that will affect future pregnancies. Tissue must be removed from some types of miscarriages via a process called dilatation and curettage (D&C). If the surgery is done correctly, there should be no long-term effects on the mother’s uterus.
Following the loss of a desired pregnancy, most women are likely to continue trying until they have a live birth. As a result, the chances of fertilisation after a miscarriage should be higher than after a live birth.
How Does Miscarriage Affect Ovulation?
A woman’s fertility depends upon her ovulation. So, the way you ovulate has a direct impact on your fertility. After a miscarriage, the menstrual cycle resumes, and many women will get their first period 46 weeks later. But it can take several months for the menstrual cycle to return to its pre-pregnancy state. It is typical to have some bleeding following a miscarriage. Day 1 of a fresh menstrual cycle is the first day of bleeding. Bleeding or spotting may persist for up to a week following this.
Around 2 weeks into this fresh cycle, ovulation may occur. Ovulation usually happens on day 14 of the menstrual cycle for women who have regular periods. From 3 to 5 days before ovulation to 1 to 2 days following ovulation, women are most fertile. If the miscarriage happens within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, women can ovulate as soon as two weeks afterwards.
If the miscarriage happens within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, women can ovulate as soon as two weeks afterwards.
If they have a miscarriage later in the pregnancy, their cycle may take longer to adjust. However, the exact time of ovulation varies from person to person. Women who had irregular periods prior to pregnancy, for example, may find that their periods continue to be erratic.
You normally do not ovulate when you are pregnant. When you miscarry, your body understands that you are no longer pregnant and begins to create a follicle, which leads to ovulation. The longer you were pregnant at the time of your miscarriage, the longer it will take for ovulation and your fertility to return on average.
What Are The Chances Of Having Another Miscarriage?
Unless the lady is above 35 years old and has had more than two miscarriages, there is no increased risk.
A previous miscarriage does not mean a subsequent one. Women who have experienced miscarriages but are otherwise healthy, have an 85% probability of carrying their next baby normally. Unless the lady is above 35 years old and has had more than two miscarriages, there is no increased risk.
When ovulation begins and her cycle returns to normal, a woman’s normal fertility level should restore four to six weeks following the miscarriage.
When Can You Begin Trying to Conceive After A Miscarriage?
A doctor should review a woman’s medical history and current state of health after a miscarriage to evaluate when her body is healed enough to bear a child. Some women’s bodies are prepared in four to six weeks, while others may take up to six months to get back into shape.
Some women’s bodies are prepared in four to six weeks, while others may take up to six months to get back into shape.
There’s also more to think about than just the physical element…The couple must assess their emotional well-being. There are likely to be feelings of loss, remorse, and sadness which must be dealt with before trying to conceive again…
There’s also more to think about than just the physical element. The couple must assess their emotional well-being. There are likely to be feelings of loss, remorse, and sadness which must be dealt with before trying to conceive again, as well as the realisation that the new pregnancy will not replace the previous one.
The timing will be different depending on the well-being of the couple. You should discuss the same with your doctor and evaluate the risks and your own readiness before deciding to try again
4 Tips To Take Care Of Your Fertility After A Miscarriage
If you and your partner are sure you’re ready to start trying again, there are a few measures you can take to help increase your chances of getting pregnant:
1. The first step is to break any habits you may have
Smoking, drug usage, and alcohol abuse are examples of these. Caffeine use has been shown to be harmful to conception, therefore that should be limited as well.
2. Stress reduction or elimination is also beneficial
One of the most significant variables in having a successful pregnancy is stress management, which may also have a role in fertility.
3. Eat healthy
If the woman suffered from depression because of the miscarriage, it’s probable that her diet will have suffered. It’s typical for women who have had a miscarriage to lose their appetite and not eat enough, or to eat excessively out of grief. Therefore, post a miscarriage, it is essential to have a nutritious diet, if you plan on trying again.
4. Weight has an important impact on pregnancy & miscarriage
It is suggested to take necessary measures to lose weight.
If you’ve lost a pregnancy, know that you’re not alone. There are many individuals who have gone through what you’re going through, and you can always count on people you trust to talk through your feelings. For any doubt you have in your mind regarding fertility issues post miscarriage, you should talk to your doctor/fertility specialist.
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