Pregnancy after Miscarriage – Learning to Cope
By Kelly
Price
When a pregnancy, thought to be normal suddenly ends, the results for the
expectant parents are utterly devastating and pregnancy after miscarriage is
surrounded with a great deal of anxiety and fear.
If you are thinking about becoming pregnant after miscarriage, here are
simple tips that will help.
Pregnancy after Miscarriage
A miscarriage can be an extremely frightening and sad experience and for
many considering pregnancy after miscarriage, there is a much uncertainty as
to whether a subsequent pregnancy will end in the same way.
What causes Miscarriage?
The causes of miscarriage are still somewhat unclear particularly when
miscarriage occurs in the first trimester, as most miscarriages do.
As many as 50% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, often before a
woman even realises she is pregnant. Most of these miscarriages occur when a
pregnancy is not developing normally, and usually there is nothing that can
be done to prevent it.
A small percentage of women will experience repeat miscarriages, and in
some cases there can be an underlying problem that may require treatment.
Most women go on to have a successful pregnancy after miscarriage.
How long should I wait after miscarriage before trying to become pregnant
again?
Pregnancy after miscarriage can be an emotional rollercoaster.
A woman may experience sadness, numbness, guilt, depression and anger.
You and your partner may deal with grief in different ways, creating tension
between you both at a time when you need each other most.
It is important to grieve. Talking through your emotions with someone
trained to help, such as a bereavement counselor or someone experienced in
dealing with pregnancy loss, would be enormously beneficial, prior to
considering pregnancy after miscarriage.
Deciding when to try again is a decision only you as a couple can make.
There may be a temptation to be pregnant again immediately, in an attempt to
deal with the heartache of your loss, but you should wait until you are
physically and emotionally ready.
The changes that pregnancy itself causes, can put a woman and her body
under additional physical and emotional stress, therefore pregnancy after
miscarriage is going to be even more so.
If a woman's body isn't ready to support a pregnancy by the time that she
conceives again, she faces an increased risk of experiencing a repeat
miscarriage.
There is no perfect time, but many health professionals suggest a period
of at least a few months to strengthen the chance of a healthy pregnancy.
How might we expect to feel during the next pregnancy?
Pregnancy after miscarriage may not be the joyful experience you may have
imagined and you may find it difficult connecting to your unborn baby for
fear of further loss.
It is important to remember that however you may feel now, you will want
to look back, remember and cherish the milestones, whatever the outcome.
Pregnancy after Miscarriage – Remaining Positive
• Discuss any fears or concerns you have with your healthcare provider
• Insist that your pregnancy be monitored carefully
• As with your previous pregnancy, everybody will suddenly become an
expert! The easiest way to handle their suggestions is to listen, and then
do whatever you, your partner, and medical team feel is best
• You may want to avoid early preparation for the baby's arrival, but
try to keep things in perspective.
Pregnancy after Miscarriage - Looking after yourself
• Form a good support network
• Try to ensure your pregnancy is as stress free as possible
• Set aside some time every day to practise relaxation
• Visualize what you want and how you would like your pregnancy to go
Use a child preparation CD
There are a number of good childbirth preparation CDs available that can
help you with this. These CDs can focus you mind to become less stressed and
more relaxed so you can face your pregnancy in the best state of mind.
Becoming pregnant after miscarriage won't replace the lost pregnancy but
may help you by refocusing your attention.
Remember that maternal emotions can affect your unborn baby and so it
will be more beneficial for you and your baby if you try to adopt a positive
outlook.
* This website does
not intend to give medical advice. You should consult a competent physician
with important questions about your health.
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