How Soon Can I Try for a Baby After a Miscarriage?

Miscarriages are common, occurring in about 10% of known pregnancies. However, most women only miscarry once.

You should avoid vaginal sex for two weeks after a miscarriage to reduce risk of infection, but then you can try for another baby. Though recurring miscarriages are rare, you should undergo testing to determine the cause if you miscarry again.

Our reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialists at CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, specialize in identifying and treating the cause of recurring miscarriages. In this month’s blog, we cover early pregnancy loss and trying for another baby.

What happens during a miscarriage

A miscarriage is the sudden and unanticipated ending of a pregnancy during the first 20 weeks of gestation. The unexpected termination of the pregnancy is out of your control and occurs because the embryo isn’t developing as it should. 

Miscarriage symptoms vary, and everyone’s experience is different. You may not have any symptoms at all and only discover that you miscarried at your next prenatal visit. 

Vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramping, and low back pain are some of the symptoms of a miscarriage. If you’re pregnant and have these symptoms, call your OB/GYN right away.

Some tissue may remain in the uterus after a miscarriage, which usually passes naturally within two weeks. However, if you have an infection or heavy bleeding, you may need to undergo a procedure to remove any remaining tissue. 

Trying for a baby after miscarriage

How soon you try for a baby after having a miscarriage depends on many factors. It’s possible to get pregnant as soon as two weeks after the unexpected loss. But you need to get clearance from your OB/GYN before trying for a baby so soon after the miscarriage.

Though you can get pregnant right away, there’s no need to rush. It’s important to give yourself enough time to physically and emotionally heal from your miscarriage. If you’re not ready to try for a baby after your miscarriage, use birth control to prevent an unintended pregnancy. 

When to seek expert help

A single miscarriage is common and not a serious health concern. However, if you miscarry again, it’s time to find out why. 

Repeated miscarriages may occur because of a genetic abnormality, structural problem in the uterus, or an underlying health condition that affects hormone balance, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

At CARE Fertility, we do advanced diagnostic testing to find out why you’re miscarrying and then develop a plan that increases your chances of a successful pregnancy. 

You should also seek help if you’re having a hard time handling the grief that occurs with a miscarriage. Your feelings are valid and may differ from your partner’s. Talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help you recover.

If you’re experiencing repeated miscarriages, our team can help. Call or request an appointment online at CARE Fertility today.