Planning Another Pregnancy After a Miscarriage
Following a miscarriage some parents are keen to become pregnant again as soon as possible. Others feel the need to wait for some time. Sometimes, partners have differing views about a subsequent pregnancy, causing strain in the relationship. Also, planning future pregnancies may involve medical or genetic investigations and counselling. Emotional, cultural, religious and other considerations may influence a family or couple in making this decision.
Aside from medical and physical considerations, there is no correct or appropriate period of time to wait before trying again. Discuss your individual needs with your partner. Your doctor or clinic medical staff may suggest how long to wait before resuming sexual activity and before attempting to become pregnant again. You should discuss your individual needs with them.
Some other considerations are listed below.
Your health professional
Do you feel that you could comfortably work together with your health professional through another pregnancy? Discuss any unresolved issues or concerns you may have with the health professional concerned; if you are not satisfied you may wish to seek other care.
Results of testing
You may need to consider the results of post-mortem, pathology or generic investigations when contemplating another pregnancy. Discussion of these issues with your doctor may lead to consultation with a geneticist, genetic counsellor or other specialist.
Birth plan
You may want to consider discussing a birth plan with your health professional. This might include pre-pregnancy discussions about investigations, tests and also the frequency of visits during another pregnancy. You may also wish to talk about choosing a birth place with particular facilities, the type of birth your wish to have and plans for “What if something goes wrong?”
Timing
It is generally not advised to plan another baby to be born around the same time of the first anniversary. The lead up to an anniversary, especially the first one, can be intense and very sad as you relive the experience.
Having Support
Supportive people around you will help you through the often anxious and stressful months of a subsequent pregnancy. Often these may include your extended family, friends, health professionals and others who have had a similar experience.
You may find the booklet, Another Baby? The Decision is Yours1 helpful.
“My family are telling me to have another baby, but somehow this doesn’t seem right yet. Every time I see a mother with her baby I can feel the tears about to come.”
Last reviewed: 22/12/24
Share
- Bereaved Parents & SIDS and Kids Victoria. (2003). Another Baby? The Decision is Yours: A Booklet for Parents Whose baby or Young Child has Died and are Considering having Another Child. Malvern, Vic.: SIDS and Kids.
- Braithwaite, J., Richardson, R. & Waterson, P. (eds.). (2011). Miscarriage: Information for Parents and Families ( M.McSpedden, H. Wilkinson, L. Pash, T. Diamond & M. Zang, Rev.) (7th ed.). Lilyfield, NSW: SIDS and Kids NSW.