How common is early pregnancy loss?
Unfortunately, early pregnancy loss (also called a miscarriage) is fairly common, occurring in about 10% of known pregnancies. Some estimates are as high as 20%, or 1 in 5. Guilt is a very common feeling, and I always make it clear that women should not blame themselves for the miscarriage. Pregnancy loss in the first trimester is usually a one-time event. Most women go on to have successful pregnancies with their next pregnancy. Testing and evaluation can be done to try to find a cause if you have several pregnancy losses in a row. Fortunately, even if no cause is found, most couples will go on to have successful pregnancies.
What are the most common causes of a miscarriage?
The majority of miscarriages are caused by a random event in which the embryo receives an abnormal number of chromosomes. During fertilization, when the egg and sperm join, the two sets of chromosomes come together. If an egg or sperm has an abnormal number of chromosomes, the embryo also will have an abnormal number. Development will not occur normally, sometimes resulting in loss of the pregnancy. Again, for emphasis, it is not your fault.
When can a couple that has lost a pregnancy start trying to conceive again?
You can ovulate and become pregnant as soon as two weeks after a miscarriage. I tell my patients that the body will heal much faster than the heart. If you do not wish to become pregnant again right away, be sure to use birth control. You can use any contraceptive method immediately after a miscarriage. If you do wish to become pregnant, there is no medical reason to wait to begin trying again. Be sure to continue taking a prenatal vitamin.
What can a mother do to find support when grieving her pregnancy loss?
If you or your partner is having trouble handling the feelings that go along with this loss, talk to your ob-gyn or another member of your health care team. You also may find it helpful to talk with a counselor. Support groups, either online or in-person, can also be helpful. As always, your OB/Gyn is a valuable resource and is specifically trained to accompany you through the emotional and physical journey when experiencing a miscarriage.
