Though it is not a medical condition people like talking about, miscarriages can be quite common. When a miscarriage occurs, it will be very difficult emotionally. You may be scared about what this means about your future fertility and when it is safe to start trying for children again. Fortunately, there is plenty you can do to help increase your fertility after a miscarriage so you can avoid this heartbreak in the future.
Facts About Miscarriage
In many cases, the cause of an early miscarriage is unknown. Miscarriages that occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy are caused by chromosomal abnormalities which would cause the fetus to form improperly. In other cases a woman's health or issues with the reproductive system can cause a miscarriage. Fortunately, having a miscarriage does not predict whether or not you are likely to have a miscarriage in the future. Statistics show that women who have suffered a miscarriage have an 85 percent likelihood of their next pregnancy carrying out normally unless she is over the age of 35 and has suffered 2 or more miscarriages already.
Fertility After Miscarriage
There is a brief period where fertility is diminished after a miscarriage but this does not last long. Your normal fertility levels should return four to six weeks after your miscarriage occur and ovulation begins. This will signal that a woman's cycle has begun to normal and a woman is once again capable of becoming pregnant. After your miscarriage your doctor will perform an examination to determine if your body has healed enough to try for pregnancy again. While this typically takes 4-6 weeks, it may take up to 6 months for some women's bodies to heal enough to handle another pregnancy.
In addition to determining if your physical health is at a point where you can try for another pregnancy, couples should evaluate their emotional health before trying for another baby. A new pregnancy cannot replace the baby that has been lost. It is important to work through any feelings of sadness, guilt or fear that may be lingering after your miscarriage before you take on the emotional experience of trying for another baby.
10 Ways to Increase Fertility after Miscarriage
Once you are ready to start trying for a child again, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of having a successful pregnancy.
- Rest and Recuperate-Many women want to hurry and start trying to get pregnant again right away after their miscarriage. This is a perfectly normal response, but may not be the best way to guarantee a healthy pregnancy. Give your body a chance to rest so your menstrual cycle can get back to normal. You also want to give yourself plenty of time for your mental balance to return so you are ready to take on the trials of trying to become pregnant. Be gentle and give yourself time to rest and focus on taking care of your physical and emotional needs until you are ready to try again.
- Change Lifestyle- Eliminating unhealthy habits can help increase your chances of conceiving later. Eliminate drug or alcohol use and quit smoking before you start trying for pregnancy. Cutting down or eliminating caffeine can also help you conceive a healthy pregnancy.
- Eliminate Stress- Eliminating stress can also make conceiving easier. Stress can reduce fertility levels, making it harder to get pregnant. Practicing meditation, yoga or taking time to relax after dealing with tough issues in your life can make it much easier to conceive.
- Eat Healthy- Eating a healthy diet is also essential to having a healthy pregnancy. This can also help women manage the depression caused by their miscarriage. Getting a variety of vitamins and minerals and cutting down on saturated fats and processed foods can help you get pregnant and maintain a healthy pregnancy.
- Avoid Infection- Taking steps to boost your immune system can help your body recover, aid in increasing your fertility after miscarriage, and help you avoid pregnancy issues in the future. Avoid douching, taking baths, having sex or using hot tubs until your body has had adequate time to recover after your miscarriage. Taking home remedies such as vitamin C, garlic, oil of oregano or grapefruit seed extract can also help boost your immune system.
- Take Fertility Drugs or Therapies- There are many fertility drugs and therapies on the market today. Your doctor will prescribe different medications based on your overall health and age.
- Use an Ovulation Predictor- An ovulation predictor can help you map out your cycle. This will allow you to determine which days in your cycle will be the most likely for you to conceive. It can also help you determine if your body is following a regular cycle or if underlying issues may be present that are limiting your ability to get pregnant.
- Support the Uterus and Liver- Performing a fertility cleanse after your period has stopped can help support the uterus and liver, promoting overall fertility health. Sometimes stagnant blood can get left behind after your period which can cause discomfort or health issues. Following a fertility diet to help rid your body of the excess blood and hormones in your system can help your conceive more easily.
- Massage the Uterus- When you have stopped bleeding after your miscarriage, performing a uterus massage can help your body relax. This massage will help bring fresh blood to the area and soothe the body so you can relax. Start with placing a hot water body and a bit of castor oil on the skin, followed by a few drops of essential oils to promote relaxation. Be gentle and do not use more pressure than you can handle. You can also visit a professional fertility massage clinic to have massages performed.
- Talk to a Doctor- If you have been having trouble conceiving and your fertility after miscarriage seems can't go back to its peak, it may be time to talk to a fertility expert. Your doctor can perform fertility tests on you and your partner to determine if there are any underlying issues present. Then you can work together to determine if any additional medical treatment is necessary to help you get pregnant.