Studies have shown that women who experience a miscarriage are likely to go on and have a healthy pregnancy. Often there is a tendency to want to start immediately to try again. The time period for doing so, as recommended by OB Physicians, seems to as an average have a recommended time frame of waiting atleast three months before trying again. My research found that some Doctors prefer a woman wait at least six months, and others say one year. It appears that the recommendation of one year, however, is for mental well-being more than for physical wellness. Some listed reasons in regards to waiting the suggested time period is: allowing for the lining of the uterus to again become regular, being able to date the pregnancy, and allowing time to greive for the previous loss. There is a frequent time frame recommendation of waiting for one regular AF before trying again in the case of a natural miscarriage.

One thing to consider in the case of trying again is, sadly, that the naivete that accompanies preganacies before a loss is now gone. It's normal to feel like you are waiting for the other shoe to drop. It's a natural occurance to want to protect your heart from feeling that pain again. Sometimes it means running into the bathroom, wiping, and checking the toilet paper every time you have a cramp to check for blood. Sometimes it means not telling people you are pregnant until well into the second trimester. Some women don't truly feel like they've bonded with their preganancy, out of fear for another loss. Whatever the changes--be they subtle or extreme--are normal and nothing to be ashamed of. The important thing to remember is that there is always hope...

While odds are there is absolutely nothing that was done that caused the miscarriage, is there anything that can be done to try to minimize the risk of future complications? Yes. However, it's worth highlighting again that 50% of miscarriages can be attributed to blighted ovums. In the case of blighted ovums 90% are chromosomal errors so nothing that is recommended here could have changed what was wrong. In other cases, there still is no way of knowing if anything would have changed what happened. Babies are born to smokers, drug addicts, people who drank before they knew they were pregnant, people who purposely drank, people who were exposed to harmful toxins, and so on. There is no certainty and there is no good to come from second guessing and placing blame upon yourself. If you find yourself with the opportunity to change something that existed before, however, now may be the time to make those changes. See below for some suggestions.

What Can Be Done?

A common question that we often ask ourselves is, "what can I do"? The reality is that in most cases nothing could have been done to prevent a loss. However, there are some steps that can be taken to try to ensure success in future pregnancies. It definately can't hurt:

*Don't Smoke -- Smoking may increase the chance of loss in the instance of a genetically normal baby. There are higher risks for heavier smokers. Passive smoke is also an issue, so if a partner smokes they should do so outside.

* Avoid Caffeine -- Consuming four or more caffeinated beverages per day has been determined to possibly increase the liklihood of miscarriage.

* Do Not Drink Alcohol -- A study indicated that two alcoholic beverages per week may increase the liklihood of a loss by as much as 50%.

* Avoid Exposure to Poison -- Avoiding exposure to toxins such as radiation and lead may be an important as part of minimizing risks.

* Clear Current Medications with your Doctor -- Some drugs can cause fetal damage. If you plan on getting pregnant be sure that whatever medications you are taking are safe.

 

Our Support Group is active, and full of kind and caring women that truly want to help. Many individuals have suffered multiple losses. We offer concentrated support for those who have suffered from a blighted ovum, but anyone who has suffered a loss--or knows of someone who has--is welcome to join.

We have very few rules, simply that those who post be respectful of others. We have a variety of categories that include:
Pregnancy Loss Support
Pregnancy after a Loss
Family
General Chat

To view the ongoing discussions, you must be a member and Join us. However, many people just read the ongoing discussions, and that is completely welcome. We want to offer support, and that can come in any form that works for each individual.
 

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