Why are we more fertile after a miscarriage?

Miscarriages, or failed pregnancies, can be a difficult experience for some women. Whether they are early (between the 14th and 22nd week of pregnancy) or late (from the 22nd week of amenorrhea), they cause a lot of concern, including the fear of infertility. Yet, did you know that it's precisely after a miscarriage that your chances of conceiving are highest? Yes, it's surprising! So, why are we more fertile after a failed pregnancy? If you're considering resuming sexual intercourse quickly or wondering about the ideal time to try again, this article is for you!

 

Getting pregnant after a miscarriage: your chances and recommendations

What is the probability 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 failed pregnancy have a better chance of conceiving a baby. This is because they have a lower risk of:

• another spontaneous miscarriage;
• premature birth;
• ectopic pregnancy.

 

Recommended waiting times before conceiving again

However, is it dangerous to get back to it too soon? Recommendations on this vary greatly. The World Health Organization, for example, suggests waiting at least six months after an isolated miscarriage. But other research, particularly from the BMJ, indicates that it's not necessary to delay a future pregnancy for so long.

The best answer we can give you, then, is simply to listen to yourself. And to ask your doctor for advice before embarking on your pregnancy project again. He/she will be able to assess your situation to ensure you are physically... and emotionally ready!

 

Factors to consider for a new pregnancy

Before planning a new attempt at pregnancy, you should consider:

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

Because if you have experienced particular complications or shown signs of infection, it might be beneficial to wait for complete recovery before trying for a baby again.

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

 

 

The physical impact of miscarriage on fertility

Uterine cleansing and physical recovery

After miscarriages, the body begins a process of uterine cleansing to eliminate residual pregnancy tissues. This phenomenon is also called "natural curettage." And it's incredibly practical, as it allows the uterus to prepare for a future successful pregnancy.

However, it's difficult to predict how long it takes for a woman to recover from a spontaneous abortion, as this period varies greatly. But for the majority of women, the uterus returns to its normal state in 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. Rest, eat healthily, and you will help your body recover quickly. And prepare for a new pregnancy, if that is your wish.

 

Fertility hormones after a miscarriage

Hormones play a very important role in fertility after pregnancy loss. As pregnancy hormone (HCG) levels decrease, the menstrual cycle can 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 even before your first period (this is called the postpartum period). Again, every woman is different, and the timing of ovulation can vary.

 

Preventing another failed pregnancy

We can't say it enough: a woman is NEVER responsible for a spontaneous miscarriage or recurrent miscarriages. However, we can take a few small actions to take care of ourselves and try to prevent them as much as possible.

 

Thanks to good lifestyle practices

Nothing new under the sun... Adopting good lifestyle practices can significantly reduce the risk of failed pregnancy. Thus, avoid:

• smoking;
• alcohol consumption;
• drugs.

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

You can also engage in regular physical activity to stay healthy. Get good nights of sleep if you can. Yoga and meditation should give you a good boost, especially for better stress management!

 

With dietary recommendations and supplements

Adopt 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!

 

Through vaccination and infection protection

This may be surprising, but vaccination plays a certain role in preventing failed pregnancies. Are you up to date? Because this will prevent you from being exposed to certain disease risks. During pregnancy, you can get 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 instead.

Also remember to practice 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 a miscarriage

Do miscarriage risks increase after a miscarriage?

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

 

Are miscarriages hereditary?

Miscarriages are generally not hereditary. Nevertheless, certain genetic conditions can increase the risk. So, if you have a family history of recurrent failed pregnancies or cases of infertility, we recommend consulting a geneticist or a specialized doctor to detect any anomalies.

 

Are miscarriages preventable?

Miscarriages are difficult to prevent, as the majority 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. This includes regular monitoring, which is important to minimize risks.

 

How to recognize the signs of a miscarriage?

Common signs of pregnancy loss include:

• vaginal bleeding;
• abdominal pain or cramps;
• loss of tissue or fluid from the vagina.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for evaluation and the support you need.

 

In short, remember this above all: getting pregnant after a failed pregnancy is entirely possible and often without complications. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, follow your doctor's advice, and don't hesitate to resume sexual intercourse... when you feel ready. Because to prepare for a full-term pregnancy, there's nothing like good physical preparation and solid psychological support!