How Long Should You Wait to Get Pregnant After a Miscarriage?

Miscarriage can cause many feelings in couples. Some feel ready to try to conceive immediately after a miscarriage, while others choose to wait longer. When considering conception after a miscarriage, some general guidelines are recommended.

Physically

• The body takes two to three months to heal after a miscarriage. The endometrial lining needs to become strong enough to carry another child to term. If the lining and uterus are not given proper time to heal, the next pregnancy could end in miscarriage as well.

Mentally

• Miscarriage can cause feelings of despair, shame, exhaustion and grief. Both partners should be mentally ready to conceive again. If the feelings do not subside after several months, consult with a doctor. Try conceiving once these feelings of depression have passed.

Normal Cycle

• The woman's body should have returned to a normal menstrual cycle before trying to conceive. A normal cycle may return as soon as four to six weeks after the miscarriage if there were no additional problems or infection. Waiting until the second menstrual cycle will allow time to predict ovulation and ensure that body is fully healed.

Multiple Miscarriages

• If two or more miscarriages have been experienced, seek the advice of a medical professional before trying to conceive again. She may recommend testing that can help determine the cause and assist in ensuring that the following pregnancy is full-term.

Second Trimester

• If the miscarriage took place after the first trimester of pregnancy, a doctor's consultation is encouraged. Late pregnancy miscarriages may have other causes that require a doctor's assistance.