Understanding Miscarriage and Baby Loss

Miscarriage and baby loss is an extremely upsetting and sensitive experience that can sadly occur during pregnancy.

It is never easy navigating miscarriage and baby loss, but we are here to help you understand this experience and answer some of your frequently asked questions surrounding this topic.

Most women will identify a miscarriage by experiencing bleeding. The amount of bleeding will depend on how far into the pregnancy you are. Some women experience a miscarriage early within a pregnancy without knowing that they were ever pregnant, however miscarriage can also occur at any time, often for reasons unexplained, right up until week 28, after which, a baby loss is considered a ‘stillbirth’.

No matter how long you are into a pregnancy, if you are excessively bleeding, it’s always recommended that you seek emergency help by going to A&E. Seeking emergency help may also be able to give an explanation for the miscarriage or identify any further issues you may have.

What Happens To My Body and Hormones After a Miscarriage?

If you have attended a hospital after having your miscarriage, you will usually be asked to take a pregnancy test again within 2-3 weeks and possibly attend a GP or hospital appointment.

When experiencing a miscarriage, your pregnancy hormone levels will begin to decrease and will often continue to lower until the bleeding has completely stopped. When the bleeding has stopped, your hormones will start to return to normal, this can take anything from 2-3 weeks to a few months, depending on your body, and how far into your pregnancy you were. Expect to feel emotional and hormonal due to the miscarriage and what you have just gone through personally.

Depending on the stage of your pregnancy, you may have experienced sickness or other pregnancy symptoms, which should also begin to ease. Your periods should begin to return to normal within around 8 weeks, but this can take up to 6 months.

What Are My Chances of Another Miscarriage?

The chances of two miscarriages in a row are extremely small. Sometimes it doesn’t feel right or natural to be trying to conceive again and that is completely normal. Be kind to yourself…and each other.

The NHS recommends that couples can start trying again once symptoms have settled down and you are both emotionally and physically ready. a few months before trying to conceive again.

What Can I Do to Reduce the Chances of Having Another Miscarriage?

There isn’t anything you can do to prevent another miscarriage, as most miscarriages don’t have an explanation. However, there are lots of things that you can do to get yourself into the best possible place – physically and emotionally.

Try to get yourself physically in a good exercise and diet routine – eating lots of fruit, vegetables, and protein – with a little bit of a treat now and again! Do not underestimate the need to look after yourself mentally and emotionally – seek help if needed from your GP or a fertility clinic. Do something to help you relax such as yoga, massage, or acupuncture. All these things can also help fertility.

Trying Again After Miscarriage

Tommy’s, the UK’s largest baby loss charity, recommends asking your doctor whether there’s any medical reason not to start trying again as soon as you’re ready, however the NHS also recommends waiting to have sex until your symptoms have gone and your periods have returned after 4-8 weeks (though it may take several months to get back into a regular cycle), but it is your decision when to try again when you and your partner are both ready. Only you will know when the time is right.