Miscarriage: Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Miscarriage is a common but often heartbreaking experience, affecting approximately 10% to 20% of known pregnancies. A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, with most occurring during the first trimester (the first 12 weeks).
Although miscarriage is common, it is not always openly discussed. It can bring a range of emotions, including grief, sadness, confusion, and anxiety, along with physical changes as the body recovers.
If you have experienced a miscarriage, you may have questions about why it happened, what to expect, and what it means for future pregnancies. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
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Could I have done anything differently?
This is usually forefront in the minds of expectant parents. Miscarriage feels unfair, and it is. There isn’t anything you have done wrong, and there is nothing you could have done differently or better.
One explanation provided is that damaged chromosomes or DNA can sometimes make it impossible for the embryo to survive. There are no dietary or lifestyle changes or medication that could have improved chances of survival or been responsible for the miscarriage.
When should I try again?
Thoughts frequently turn to when to try again. Everyone is different, so what’s right for one person may not be for someone else. Many need to take time to grieve their loss. Around 1 in 5 women who have suffered a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy will have mental health or psychological symptoms that can last for many months.
It’s considered best to avoid sex until all of the bleeding has stopped. This reduces the risk of infection occurring. The best time to try is when you and your partner feel both emotionally and physically ready to embark on another pregnancy.
Practically speaking, it can be helpful to wait until you have had at least one period before trying again. This makes it easier to calculate dates in the next pregnancy if you conceive right away. If you conceive before you have a period, it doesn’t make you more likely to miscarry in the new pregnancy. There is evidence that there is actually a lower risk of miscarriage in women who conceive within the first 6 months after miscarriage.
Can I fly?
If you have had any symptoms that might suggest miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, you should avoid air travel. It would be best to speak to your doctor, who can advise on your specific circumstances.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have had a miscarriage, or are having any ongoing symptoms after the miscarriage (physical or mental health), book a routine appointment with your doctor. They will want to hear how you are doing and may be able to give advice on useful support groups, organizations, or services that are available in your area.
Emotions from loss, plus disruption to hormones, can put some people in a low mood. You should speak to a medical professional urgently if you are having suicidal thoughts or have a plan to self-harm. You can get urgent help via your doctor, calling 911, or by going to the emergency department, which is a safe place during a crisis.
One or even multiple miscarriages does not mean that you are not going to be a parent. If you have had multiple miscarriages, you should speak to your doctor, who may arrange further investigations or refer you to a specialist. Occasionally, medical conditions put you at a higher risk of miscarriage.
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