Miscarriage and loss

Pregnancy after miscarriage: should one risk it?

By Judy Wellsworth

The emotional roller coaster that a mother experiences before and after a miscarriage can never be described in words. From the emotional high with knowing that she is pregnant to the low of losing the baby, it can sometimes be too much to ask of a mother to try for another pregnancy.

Due to the emotional scars a woman experiences following a miscarriage, planning another pregnancy may sometimes not be an option.

The experience may give rise to feelings of frustration and helplessness, and because miscarriage doesn't simply leave a physical scar but an emotional some as well, some couples simply choose not to try for another baby after miscarriage.

This is unfortunate as there have been countless couples who achieve success after the second or third try. Their willpower is indeed commendable; yet couple's reluctance to take another chance is clearly understandable.

How counseling can help

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the miscarriage, it is true that some women are forever denied the chance to become pregnant again. But there are also other, avoidable reasons for miscarriages. Counseling can help couples conquer their feelings of frustration and depression and address all the questions that need answers.

While there may be some who would deem counseling unnecessary, these are people who are not professional mental health consultants and are thus not qualified to determine whether a couple considering pregnancy after miscarriage needs counseling.

Have a physical to prepare yourself for a pregnancy after miscarriage.

As mentioned earlier, there are cases when it becomes impossible to try for another pregnancy after miscarriage. Undergoing a hysterectomy simultaneous with the miscarriage, for instance, makes it impossible for a woman to conceive again, but there are still other options.

If the miscarriage is due to treatable factors and causes, it's best to have a physical checkup to know if your body is primed for your next planned pregnancy. A checkup for both you and your partner could shed light on the possible causes of the miscarriage and could pave the way for appropriate treatment.

One thing to consider is that couples planning a pregnancy after miscarriage should make a few lifestyle changes. This increases their chances of success. Both partners must cooperate in this venture. As soon as a positive pregnancy comes up, it's best to take things easy and to avoid being strained at work. At this point, your foremost concern would be not just the health of the baby but your own well-being too.