Why are we more fertile after a miscarriage?

Miscarriages, or missed pregnancies, can be a difficult ordeal for some women. Whether they occur early (between the 14th and 22nd week of pregnancy) 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's surprising! So, why are we more fertile after a missed pregnancy? If you're thinking about resuming sexual intercourse soon 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 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 in 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. This is because they are less likely to experience:

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

Recommended time frames before conceiving again

However, is it dangerous to start again too soon? Recommendations on this subject vary greatly. The World Health Organization, for example, suggests waiting at least six months after a single miscarriage. But other research, including that in the BMJ, indicates 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 seek your doctor's advice before embarking on your pregnancy plan. He/she will be able to assess your situation to ensure that you're physically... and emotionally ready!

Factors to consider for a new pregnancy

Before planning another attempt at pregnancy, you should consider:

your general 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.

Still unsure? Ask your midwife, who can advise you on the steps you can take to boost your chances of getting pregnant.

The physical impact of miscarriage on fertility

Uterus Cleansing and Physical Recovery

After a miscarriage, the body begins a process of cleansing the uterus to remove residual pregnancy tissue. This process is also called "natural curettage." And it's incredibly useful, as it allows the uterus to prepare for a future, beautiful pregnancy.

However, it's 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've just had a spontaneous abortion, try to follow medical recommendations carefully to monitor the risk of infection or complications. Get plenty of rest and eat well, and you'll help your body recover quickly. And prepare for another pregnancy, if that's what you want.

Fertility hormones after 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. Levels of other hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, will stabilize, allowing ovulation and the fertile window to return to normal.

Early ovulation and the fertility window

Ovulation can resume quickly after early (and late) miscarriages, sometimes within the first few weeks. This means your female fertility is back and you can get pregnant again even 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 repeated miscarriages. However, there are a few small steps you can take to take care of yourself 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 miscarriage. Avoid:

tobacco;
alcohol consumption;
drugs.

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

You can also engage in regular physical activity to maintain good health. Get a good night's sleep if you can. Yoga and meditation should give you a big boost, especially when it comes to managing stress!

With dietary recommendations and supplements

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

fruits;
vegetables;
whole grains;
lean protein.

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

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

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

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

Also remember to practice good hygiene: wash your hands frequently to prevent common infections. Also, avoid contact with people who are sick. And if you ever suspect something, consult your doctor promptly.

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 abortion. A pregnant woman who experiences this ordeal may very well carry a pregnancy to term later. However, if she experiences several successive abortions, underlying factors may be suspected, requiring a fertility assessment.

Are miscarriages hereditary?

Miscarriages are not usually hereditary. However, certain 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 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 prevented. However, to limit the risk of recurrence, one can adopt a healthy lifestyle and take the right medical precautions. This includes, in particular, regular monitoring, which is important to minimize risks.