It’s surprising to many couples to learn that 15% to 20% of all recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. While the rate is not quite as high for first time moms, it is still a possibility. Fortunately, your ability to conceive after a miscarriage should not be greatly affected.
After a woman miscarries, it is important to refrain from sexual intercourse or placing anything in the vagina (tampons, contraception, etc.) for a couple of weeks. This will allow the cervix and uterus to return to their normal anatomical state. I usually schedule a quick follow-up examination for a patient after she’s had a miscarriage. But this is not always necessary.
An old-school practice was to recommend that patients wait 2 to 3 months after a miscarriage before trying again. While there are certain situations when this may be ideal, most studies show that trying to conceive within this time period is safe.
I inform my patients that it may take 4 to 8 weeks to resume normal menstrual function. After a miscarriage, the pregnancy hormones in your body will rapidly drop, although it may take 2 to 3 weeks before hormone levels completely return to normal. It’s not until then that your body will start the cycle that allows a woman to conceive again. So try not to get discouraged if you don’t get pregnant again immediately after miscarrying.
