Miscarriages are common, with 15-20% 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 that 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.
In collaboration with The Channel 46, Dr Asha Baxi, Senior Consultant – Fertility Expert, Motherhood Fertility & IVF, offers expert advice on what a miscarriage indicates about your fertility.
Does A Miscarriage 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.
Read: 10 Lifestyle Habits Impacting Fertility & How To Fix It
4 Facts On How Miscarriage Affects Ovulation
1. A Woman’s Fertility Depends Upon Her Ovulation
After a miscarriage, the menstrual cycle resumes, and many women will get their first period 4–6 weeks later.
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 4–6 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.
2. Around 2 Weeks Into The Fresh Cycle, Ovulation May Occur
If the miscarriage happens within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, women can ovulate as soon as two weeks afterwards.
Ovulation usually happens on day 14 of the menstrual cycle for women who have regular periods. From 3–5 days before ovulation to 1–2 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.
3. If You 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.
4. 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.
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.
Read: 4 Possible Reasons For Painful Periods & Available Treatment Options
What Are The Chances Of Another Miscarriage?
Women who have experienced miscarriages but are otherwise healthy have an 85% probability of carrying their next baby normally.
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 the cycle returns to normal, a woman’s normal fertility level should restore 4 to 6 weeks following the miscarriage.
When Can You Begin Trying to Conceive After A Miscarriage?
Some women’s bodies are prepared in 4 to 6 weeks, while others may take up to 6 months to get back into shape.
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 4 to 6 weeks, while others may take up to 6 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. This will also be accompanied by 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 Ways 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. Break Away From Bad Habits
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. Keep Stress Under Control
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 you suffer from depression because of the miscarriage, it’s probable that your 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, especially if you plan on trying again.
4. Keep A Watch On Your Weight
Weight has an important impact on pregnancy and miscarriage. It is suggested that you 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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