Undergoing a miscarriage is a very upsetting time for the couple and the sense of loss and associated grief is no different regardless of the stage of pregnancy loss. One of the commonest questions I get asked in my Early Pregnancy role by such couples is when can they try again.

Gone are the days when a specific time frame (i.e. 3-6 months) was given. Nowadays, unless there is a medical reason to avoid or delay getting pregnant, the advice is to allow time to have your first period after a miscarriage and then you are absolutely fine to try for a pregnancy. In my counselling I do add that trying for a pregnancy after a recent miscarriage should be based on the emotional and physical recovery of the couple and this is a decision that only they can mutually make.

If you feel that you are not ready during the miscarriage recovery phase then please consider using some form of contraception as fertility can return quite quickly even to the extent of ovulating prior to your first period after the miscarriage.

There can be certain medical conditions which require management or stabilisation prior to attempting for another pregnancy so do speak to a specialist Obstetrician & Gynecologist for advice before you try again, especially to reduce the risk of another sad outcome . In addition, if you have had two or more miscarriages consecutively, it would be sensible to speak to a specialist prior to attempting another pregnancy.

 AAMIR KHAN

CONSULTANT OBSTETRICIAN & GYNAECOLOGIST