By Dr Katharina Schramm MD, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Published in The Family Grapevine, March 2015

You were so happy about being pregnant but now you have just abandoned all hope on your current pregnancy continuing normally.  Grieving after a miscarriage is usually a normal process and the Miscarriage Association can help you meet other women in a similar situation so that you don’t feel completely alone. It may be helpful to know that 12 percent of identified pregnancies and 30 percent of pregnancies overall (measured before the woman is aware she is pregnant) end in a miscarriage.

When to start trying for another baby?

Finding the right time to try for the next pregnancy depends a lot on whether you need time to recover physically and/or if you need to come to terms with your loss and to grieve for your baby. Doctors usually advise against having sex after miscarriage until all the bleeding has stopped. This is to avoid infection.

You would however be physically fit to try for a baby when you have your next normal period after miscarriage. There is evidence to suggest that conceiving in the first six months after a miscarriage actually lowers your risk of a further miscarriage. It can however be difficult to go ahead straight away if you feel too upset or anxious to think about another baby. Couples are also sometimes advised to wait after a molar or ectopic pregnancy or if you are having tests after recurrent miscarriage.

You are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy than another loss after: One or two miscarriages, and ectopic pregnancy and a molar pregnancy.

What to do to improve your chances of conceiving again?

• The diet, health and lifestyle of both partners are important. You should aim for your weight to be no lower than 18.5 (BMI) or higher than 30 (BMI).

• Some evidence suggests a high protein diet works.

• You will need to cut down on alcohol, smoking and caffeine and keep on taking folic acid.

• Exercise done in moderation will improve your mood and help you relax, but let the trainer know that you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant.

• Demanding work or prolonged stress can also impact your chances of miscarrying and you may want to cut down on responsibilities.

• Care and support after miscarriage can make things better. Discuss your feelings with your partner and family and friends, talk to your manager and colleagues about reducing the stress you feel at work.

Consult your doctor, if you:

• Had and ectopic or a molar pregnancy

• Do not have a normal weight

• Have a chronic or long-term illness such as epilepsy, diabetes or depression

• Are using long-term medication

• Have another infection such as Chlamydia

• Wish to try for another baby

At +richmond practice we can offer you an pre-pregnancy health check, a miscarriage check, a fertility check and weight- loss clinic by consultant obstetricians and gynecologists, including a fertility specialist. To book an appointment or a check contact +richmond practice on 020 890 5009 or email us at mail@richmondpractice.co.uk