Pregnancy After a Loss: Physical Readiness

Barring any health problems, you are physically ready to handle another pregnancy after two or three regular menstrual cycles, or about three to six months after the end of your last pregnancy. If you had an early loss, your doctor might give you the go-ahead to try again after you have had only one period. If, like me, you had a c-section, the recommended waiting period may be slightly longer, but generally ranges from four to eight months. Remember that it may take a couple of months or more before you get your first period, especially if your baby died late in your pregnancy or shortly after birth. During that time you may alternate between fearing that you may not be able to bear any more children and worrying that you might have become pregnant again by accident. When Katie still had not had a period two months after losing her baby at term, she felt disappointed in herself. "Not only did my baby die, but my body had just shut down." What she did not realize is that it was very normal for her not to have a period, especially given that she was under so much stress.

Doctors generally recommend waiting to try again until you have had at least two or three normal cycles to ensure that the uterus has returned to its normal shape and size, and that the lining is thick enough to allow for good implantation of the placenta. It will also give your doctor the ability to accurately date your pregnancy. Accurate dates will enable your doctor to closely monitor your baby's growth and to intervene at the first sign of trouble.

In some cases, extenuating factors may prompt your doctor to suggest that
you will need more time to heal physically. If you lost a lot of blood during
your delivery, for example, your iron levels may be poor and you may need more
time to rebuild your strength. Or if you have a chronic illness that contributed
to your loss, you may need to receive treatment before becoming pregnant again.
And if your loss came after a full-term pregnancy, you should be aware that
some evidence suggests becoming pregnant again within six months significantly
increases the risk that the next baby will be premature or small.

Even if your doctor tells you that it's all right to get pregnant again after
only two or three periods, you may feel it will take you longer before you feel
physically ready. For example, it may take several months for you to lose the
extra weight you gained while you were pregnant and to get back into shape.