What are the odds of another miscarriage?

 

Miscarriage is usually a one-time occurrence. Most women who miscarry go on to have a healthy pregnancy after miscarriage. Less than 5 percent of women have two consecutive miscarriages, and only 1 percent have three or more consecutive miscarriages.

Are special tests recommended before attempting pregnancy after miscarriage?

 

If you experience more than two miscarriages, consider testing to identify any underlying causes before attempting to get pregnant again. For example:

 

• Blood tests. A sample of your blood is evaluated to help detect problems with hormones or your immune system.

• Chromosomal tests. You and your partner might both have your blood tested to determine if your chromosomes are a factor. Tissue from the miscarriage — if it's available — also might be tested.

 

Procedures can also be done to detect uterine problems. For example:

 

• Ultrasound. This imaging method uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within the body. Your health care provider places the ultrasound device (transducer) over your abdomen or places it inside your vagina to obtain images of your uterus.

• Hysteroscopy. Your health care provider inserts a small, lighted telescope called a hysteroscope through your cervix into your uterus. He or she then expands the uterine cavity by injecting it with saline and examines the walls of your uterus and the openings of your fallopian tubes.

• Hysterosalpingography. This technique uses a dye to highlight the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes on X-ray images.

• Sonohysterogram. This ultrasound scan is done after fluid is injected into your uterus though your vagina and cervix. This allows your health care provider to look for problems in the lining of your uterus.

 

If the cause of your miscarriages can't be identified, don't lose hope. About 60 to 70 percent of women with unexplained repeated miscarriages go on to have healthy pregnancies.

When is the best time for pregnancy after miscarriage?

 

Give yourself time to heal before attempting to get pregnant again.

 

Physical recovery from miscarriage in most cases will take only a few hours to a couple of days. Your periods will likely return within four to six weeks, and it's possible to become pregnant during the menstrual cycle immediately after a miscarriage.

 

Keep in mind, however, that miscarriage can cause intense feelings of loss. You and your partner might also experience a wide range of emotions, such as anger, sadness or guilt. Don't rush the grieving process.

 

Once you feel ready for pregnancy after miscarriage, ask your health care provider for guidance. Also, consider these guidelines if you've had:

 

• One miscarriage. The World Health Organization recommends waiting at least six months before trying to conceive, but other research has found no evidence to support delaying conception. In fact, some research has shown that women who conceived within six months of having a miscarriage in their first pregnancy had fewer complications than did those who waited longer to conceive. If you're healthy and feel ready, there might be no need to wait to conceive after miscarriage.

• Two or more miscarriages. If you've had two or more miscarriages, consult your health care provider. He or she might recommend testing to determine any underlying issues, as well as possible treatments, before attempting another pregnancy.

• A molar pregnancy. A molar pregnancy — a noncancerous (benign) tumor that develops in the uterus — occurs when the placenta develops into an abnormal mass of cysts rather than becoming a viable pregnancy. If you've had a molar pregnancy, your health care provider might recommend waiting six months to one year before trying to become pregnant.