When you want to become a parent for the first time or add to your family, having a miscarriage within the early stages of pregnancy is devastating. Losing a baby takes an emotional as well as physical toll on you. It is possible to have a healthy and successful pregnancy after a miscarriage, though. About 85 percent of women who miscarried go on to have a successful second pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Step 1
Give your body time to heal after the miscarriage and wait until you have at least two or three periods. The World Health Organization recommends waiting at least six months before becoming pregnant again, according to WebMD, though a 2010 study in “BMJ” suggested that getting pregnant within six months after a miscarriage increased the chance for a successful pregnancy.
Step 2
Get treated for any health concerns connected to the miscarriage before trying to conceive. An underactive thyroid, low levels of the hormone progesterone and certain auto-immune disorders can lead to miscarriage and trouble conceiving.
Step 3
Exercise regularly throughout your pregnancy. Get your doctor’s permission first so that you know you are physically capable of handling an exercise routine.
Step 4
Eat a balanced, healthy diet and take a prenatal vitamin to make sure you get the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy, such as iron, folate and zinc. You may want to meet with a nutritionist to make sure you’re following a diet plan suitable for pregnancy.
Step 5
Avoid unhealthy habits, such as smoking or drinking while pregnant. You should also avoid certain foods, such as unpasteurized cheeses, that can increase your risk of infection, according to Kids Health.
Step 6
See your doctor regularly for checkups. You may want to schedule a few extra checkups than usual to ease your mind.
Step 7
Get emotional support, either from a support group or a therapist, to help you cope with feelings of sadness and guilt.
Step 8
Keep track of your baby’s movements starting at the 18th week. If you notice that your baby isn’t moving, contact your doctor right away.
Comments