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Miscarriage: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Written by healthwords.ai's team of doctors and pharmacists based in UK | Updated: 24 Jan 2023 | 3 min read

As a doctor, I feel privileged to share in both the highs and lows of my patients’lives. Miscarriage is one of the more frequent events, and one of the saddest. One in every four to five pregnancies end in miscarriage. This means the pregnancy has not carried past the first trimester, and it brings a host of emotions and changes to your physical and psychological well-being.

It’s not often talked about in public, but patients turn to us for answers. Let me take you through some of their most pressing questions.

Could I have done anything differently?

This is usually forefront in the minds of expectant parents. Miscarriage feels unfair, and it is. I try to explain that there isn’t anything you have done wrong, and there is nothing you could have done differently or better.

One explanation I put across is that damaged chromosomes or DNA can sometimes make it impossible for the embryo to survive. There is no dietary or lifestyle changes or any medication that could have improved chances of survival or been responsible for the miscarriage.

When should I try again?

Thoughts frequently turn to when to try again. Everyone is different, so what’s right for one person may not be for someone else. Many need to take time to grieve for their loss. Around 20% of women who have suffered a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy will have mental health or psychological symptoms that can last for many months.

It’s considered best to avoid sex until all of the bleeding has stopped. This reduces down the risk of infection occurring. The best time to try is when you and your partner feel both emotionally and physically ready to embark on another pregnancy.

Practically speaking, it can be helpful to wait until you have had at least one period before trying again. This makes it easier to calculate dates in the next pregnancy if you conceive straight away. If you conceive before you have a period, it doesn’t make you more likely to miscarry in the new pregnancy. There is evidence that there is actually a lower risk of miscarriage in women who conceive within the first 6 months after miscarriage.

Can I fly?

If you have had any symptoms that might suggest miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, you should avoid air travel. It would be best to speak to your doctor, who can advise on your specific circumstances.