Why are we more fertile after a miscarriage?

Miscarriages, or missed pregnancies, can be a difficult ordeal for some women. Whether they are early (between the 14th week of pregnancy and the 22nd) or late (from the 22nd week of amenorrhea), they raise a lot of concerns. Among them: the fear of infertility. However, did you know that it is precisely after a miscarriage that your chances of conceiving are the best? Yes, it is surprising! So, why are we more fertile after a missed pregnancy? If you are thinking about resuming sexual intercourse quickly or are wondering about the ideal time to try again, this article is for you!

Getting Pregnant After Miscarriage: Your Chances and Recommendations

What is the likelihood of getting pregnant after a miscarriage?

Rest assured: after an early or late miscarriage, you have every chance of getting pregnant again. According to a British study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), women who resume sexual intercourse within six months of their missed pregnancy have a better chance of conceiving a baby. Because they are less likely to:

a new spontaneously terminated pregnancy;
premature birth;
an ectopic pregnancy.

Recommended time frames before designing again

But is it dangerous to try again too early? Recommendations on this vary widely. The World Health Organization, for example, suggests waiting at least six months after a single miscarriage. But other research, including that in the BMJ, suggests that there is no need to delay a next pregnancy that long.

The best answer we can give you is simply to listen to yourself. And to ask your doctor's advice before you start planning a pregnancy again. He/she will be able to assess your situation, to make sure that you are physically ready... and emotionally!

Factors to consider for a new pregnancy

Before planning another attempt at pregnancy, you should consider:

your general state of health;
your age ;
the medical reasons behind the previous miscarriage.

Because if you have experienced any particular complications or have shown signs of infection, it may be beneficial to wait until you have fully recovered before trying for a baby again.

Again, if you have any doubts, ask your midwife, who will be able to advise you on the steps to take to boost your chances of pregnancy.

The Physical Impact of Miscarriage on Fertility

Uterus Cleansing and Physical Recovery

After miscarriages, the body begins a process of cleaning the uterus to remove residual pregnancy tissue. This process is also called “natural curettage.” And it’s pretty handy, as it allows the uterus to prepare for a future beautiful pregnancy.

However, it is difficult to predict how long it will take a woman to recover from a miscarriage, as the time frame varies greatly. But for most women, the uterus returns to its normal state within a few weeks.

So, if you have just had a spontaneous pregnancy loss, try to follow medical recommendations carefully to monitor the risk of infection or complications. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy and you will help your body recover quickly. And prepare for a new pregnancy, if that is your wish.

Fertility Hormones After Miscarriage

Hormones play a very important role in fertility after pregnancy loss. As the levels of pregnancy hormones (HCG) decrease, allowing the menstrual cycle to resume normally. However, this process can take a few weeks. The levels of other hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, will stabilize so that ovulation and the fertile window return to normal.

Early Ovulation and the Fertile Window

Ovulation can resume quickly after early (and late) miscarriages, sometimes within the first few weeks. This means that your female fertility is back and you can get pregnant again before your first period (this is called the return of menstruation ). Again, every woman is different and the timing of ovulation can vary.

Preventing another missed pregnancy

It cannot be said enough: a woman is NEVER responsible for her spontaneous miscarriage or her repeated miscarriages. However, we can put a few small actions in place to take care of ourselves and try to prevent them as much as possible.

Thanks to good hygiene practices

Nothing new under the sun... Adopting good lifestyle practices can significantly reduce the risk of miscarriage. Avoid:

tobacco;
alcohol consumption;
drugs.

In short, anything that can harm the baby's development.

You can also do regular physical activity to keep yourself healthy. Get a good night's sleep if you can. Yoga and meditation should give you a good boost, especially to better manage your stress!

With dietary recommendations and supplements

Eat a balanced diet by consuming foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For example:

fruits;
vegetables;
whole grains;
lean proteins.

Bonus: you can even supplement with fertility vitamins for women . And for your male partner? Fertility vitamins for men , of course!

Thanks to vaccination and protection against infections

This may come as a surprise, but you should know that vaccination plays a certain role in preventing missed pregnancies. Are you up to date? Because this will prevent you from being exposed to certain disease risks. During pregnancy, you can therefore be vaccinated against:

seasonal flu;
COVID-19;
whooping cough (from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy).

However, it is strongly advised not to get vaccinated against chickenpox and rubella. If you are not immune, do it before or after.

Also remember to promote good hygiene: wash your hands frequently to avoid common infections. Also avoid contact with sick people. And if you ever suspect something, consult your doctor quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility After Miscarriage

Do the risks of miscarriage increase after a miscarriage?

No, the risk of miscarriage does not necessarily increase after a first spontaneous pregnancy loss. A pregnant woman who undergoes this ordeal may very well carry a pregnancy to term later. However, if she experiences several successive pregnancy losses, underlying factors may be suspected that require a fertility assessment.

Are miscarriages hereditary?

Miscarriages are not usually hereditary. However, some genetic conditions can increase the risk. Therefore, if you have a family history of recurring missed pregnancies or cases of infertility , it is recommended that you consult a geneticist or a specialized doctor in order to detect possible abnormalities.

Are miscarriages preventable?

Miscarriages are difficult to avoid, as the majority of them are due to a chromosomal abnormality that, by definition, cannot be predicted or avoided. However, to limit the risk of recurrence, one can adopt a healthy lifestyle and take the right medical precautions. In particular, regular monitoring is important to minimize the risks.