A recent study reported online by the BMJ looked at the question, how long a couple should wait before trying for another pregnancy after a miscarriage. Many clinicians, including myself, believe there is little justification for delaying the next pregnancy. The current guidelines from the World Health Organization recommend that women should wait for at least six months before trying again, whereas others suggest a delay of up to 18 months.
In this study the researchers found “Women who conceive within six months of an initial miscarriage have the best reproductive outcomes and lowest complication rates in a subsequent pregnancy,” “Our research shows that it is unnecessary for women to delay conception after a miscarriage,” the study authors conclude. “As such the current WHO [World Health Organization] guidelines may need to be reconsidered. In accordance with our results, women wanting to become pregnant soon after a miscarriage should not be discouraged.”
I routinely recommend to my patients that one or two normal cycles occur prior to attempting pregnancy again.
J. Kyle Mathews, MD
Plano OBGyn Associates
Plano Urogynecology Associates
Tags: BMJ, couple, kyle mathews, little, miscarriage, Pregnancy, Pregnancy loss, reproductive outcomes, women, World Health Organization | Category: Infertility, News & Education, Obstetrics |