6 Tips for a Safe Pregnancy Following a Miscarriage
Having a safe pregnancy is a concern for many women, especially after going through the difficult experience of miscarriage. The first thing women must do is make sure the cause of their loss has been solved or treated. Then, the next step is allowing their bodies to recover, go back to normal, and prepare for another pregnancy.
This process takes time, attention and physical and psychological care to assure that both parents are prepared. Therefore, doctors recommend a series of studies that help to identify the cause of miscarriage. With these results, doctors can determine the means necessary to deal with any issues that may affect future pregnancies.
“Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week… Most miscarriages occur because the fetus isn’t developing normally. About 50 percent of miscarriages are associated with extra or missing chromosomes. Most often, chromosome problems result from errors that occur by chance as the embryo divides and grows – not problems inherited from the parents.”
– Mayo Clinic –
How to have a safe pregnancy following a miscarriage
1. Give yourself time to recover emotionally
A miscarriage can cause feelings of intense anguish, guilt and loss. Naturally, these aren’t the feelings with which you want to take on your next pregnancy.
Also keep in mind that the further along your pregnancy was when you experienced the loss, the longer it will take for you to heal emotionally.
2. Make sure there is no damage to your reproductive organs
After a miscarriage, damage and infections may occur in a woman’s internal organs. In extreme cases, there is even risk of reduced fertility, or loss of fertility.
It’s important to consult with your gynecologist to discard physiological difficulties. Your doctor may recommend the following medical exams to identify the cause of prior miscarriages and prevent them in the future.
- Blood tests. These will allow your doctor to examine your immune system and the hormonal balance necessary for a safe pregnancy.
- Genetic testing. Genetic testing will make sure that you and your partner’s chromosomes are not the cause of miscarriage.
- Ultrasound. To inspect the woman’s abdomen.
- Hysteroscopy. To observe a woman’s Fallopian tubes and uterus.
- Sonohisterography. Allows doctors to verify that the uterine floor is in good shape.
It’s also important to wait long enough for your menstrual cycle to regain regularity – especially the luteal phase. If you want to become pregnant again, your uterus needs to be healthy and strong and you have to have a normal estrogen level.
3. Prenatal vitamins
When planning the conception of a baby, experts recommend that women take good prenatal vitamins. This way, you increase the quantity and quality of the essential nutrients that babies need for development.
You can look for over-the-counter vitamins or ask your doctor to make you a prescription. The most important elements your body needs are folic acid, calcium and iron.
4. Avoid excessive physical exertion at home and at work
Daily household tasks can be dangerous when you’re pregnant. You should avoid exposing yourself to chemical substances and lifting heavy objects.
Using stools or ladders to reach objects also poses a risk, as does picking up garbage containing toxic components. Make sure not to stand for long periods of time, especially close to furnaces or ovens.
5. Monitor your changes in weight
Your body demands more nutrients when it comes to having a safe pregnancy. Therefore, it’s normal to gain a few pounds. However, it’s important that you make sure your weight gain is healthy.
If you gain too much weight, it will be harder to lose it afterwards. If you don’t put on enough weight, your baby runs the risk of experiencing insufficient growth when born .
6. Improve your nutritional habits
Besides drinking plenty of water, you should be sure to eat six balanced meals each day. The most recommended foods for pregnant woman are those rich in folate.
These include: grains, asparagus, lentils, fish and oranges. Remember that folic acid contributes to the proper development of babies.
Furthermore, you should limit your intake of caffeine during gestation. If you want to snack on something between meals, choose healthy options like fruits, which contain natural sugars that increase your energy levels.
These recommendations will help you have a safe pregnancy following a miscarriage. Remember that, before trying to conceive, you should be emotionally prepared to guarantee a caring and gratifying process for you, yourself and your future child.