Getting pregnant after miscarriage
A miscarriage can be devastating. There's a feeling that somehow what happened was your fault, that something you did may have triggered the loss - exercise, a minor fall, sexual intercourse. This is rarely the case. Some women also worry that a previous abortion has affected them and may have caused their miscarriage, but there's no evidence to back this up either.
Research suggests that 50% of pregnancies miscarry before they implant in the womb and even when pregnancy has been confirmed - 35-50 days after conception - about 25% will end in miscarriage.
The aftermath
Sometimes a D&C (dilatation and curettage) has to be carried out after a miscarriage to make sure that the womb is completely clear. This procedure, also known as a 'scrape', involves a general anaesthetic and a short stay in hospital. It won't weaken your cervix or make you more likely to miscarry in subsequent pregnancies.
Your doctor and midwife should be sympathetic and understanding, but there aren't any tests that can help to determine what caused the miscarriage. Focus on the fact that serious medical problems are rarely to blame and it's very likely that your next pregnancy will be successful. Should you have a second miscarriage - and many women do miscarry more than once in their lives - you may be referred to a specialist. However, even sophisticated tests may not produce any reasons for successive miscarriages.
Coping with the grief
You never forget the experience of losing a baby. As well as the grief, your body will undergo some profound hormonal adjustments, which may make you feel emotionally vulnerable and volatile.
Although it's difficult, it may help to tell family or close friends how you feel. If you'd like to talk to other couples who have been through a miscarriage, you can log on to our message board or get in touch with local support groups in your area by contacting the Miscarriage Association
C/o Clayton Hospital, Northgate, Wakefield, W Yorkshire WF1 3JS
Tel: 01924 200 795 (administration)
Helpline: 01924 200 799 (Mon-Fri 9-4pm, then answer phone)
Fax: 01924 298 834
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