Although the experience is sadly more common than many people realise, there are still a lot of unanswered questions and confusion surrounding miscarriages – with one being how soon after a miscarriage is it okay to try to conceive again.
Now, new research suggests that the previous advice of waiting several months after a pregnancy loss (or abortion) to lower any risks may be redundant, according to a peer-reviewed study published by the PLOS Medicine journal.
The study looked at a "total of 49,058 births following a previous miscarriage and 23,707 births following a previous induced abortion in Norway between 2008 and 2016" and concluded that "conceiving within 3 months after a miscarriage or an induced abortion is not associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes".
As for trying to fall pregnant immediately after an abortion or miscarriage, the study authors added: "In combination with previous research, these results suggest that women could attempt pregnancy soon after a previous miscarriage or induced abortion without increasing perinatal health risks."
However, it is worth noting that the World Health Organisation, for instance, recommends a six month gap, whereas the NHS and baby loss charity, Tommy's, say it's a personal choice and that it's best to wait until you're emotionally ready (which has no set time frame), and that any physical symptoms have subsided.
"Clinicians may advise waiting if they've referred you for genetic testing in some cases," midwife Juliette Ward told Cosmopolitan UK previously when discussing miscarriage myths. "However, for most people the general advice is 'there's no rush' and it is a personal choice.
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"Waiting until your physical symptoms have gone can be helpful, as can waiting for one complete menstrual cycle, as it makes dating a potential later pregnancy easier, whilst also allowing a few weeks for your heart to begin mending."
As with anything medical, if you have questions, it's always best to chat to a professional who has access to your personal health records and who can offer personalised advice.
If you're looking for support or more information about premature births, stillbirths or miscarriage, Tommy's have a free helpline 0800 0147 800 (open 9 - 5, Monday to Friday) and be contacted via email on midwife@tommys.org. There's also a Facebook group.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
