Ask Sofia: Why did I miscarry?
A miscarriage of a pregnancy can happen for a variety of reasons, and early pregnancy loss, in particular, is more common than most people realize: it happens in 10 to 30 percent of pregnancies, and is more common as women get older. About 80 percent of miscarriages occur in the first trimester, chiefly due to abnormal chromosomal development in the baby, something that is pre-determined at the time of conception. This means that nothing you could have done would have changed the outcome of the pregnancy.
“Miscarriage is not your fault. Because it is such an emotional topic, many women struggle to talk openly about their experiences, but talking with a friend, family member or counselor can help you share your feelings and concerns and prepare for the future,” said Dr. Amy Hammers. “We are always here to listen and to help you move forward.”
Naturally, many women feel discouraged and helpless after a miscarriage, but that doesn’t mean that this is something that will happen again or that will impact your chances of getting pregnant. Because miscarriages are common and chromosomal abnormalities happen at random, a medical work-up is generally not recommended after a first miscarriage.
If you’re hoping to become pregnant again, it is safe to start trying shortly after suffering a miscarriage. Abstaining from intercourse for one to two weeks after the passage of the miscarriage is generally recommended to prevent infection, and most providers recommend waiting until after your next period before attempting pregnancy. Most studies show no benefits to delaying conception after an early pregnancy loss.
