David Barrere, MD

If you have experienced a pregnancy loss, one of the first things you may want to know is when you can try to get pregnant again. Obstetrician / Gynecologist David Barrere discusses how your body returns to the non-pregnant state -- and when you may be ready for another pregnancy.

Your question
After a miscarriage, how long does it take your body to return to normal? - Jacqueline in Weatherford, Texas

The expert answers
The recommended length of time following a miscarriage before attempting to again conceive is a subject for debate. Many physicians recommend three months, however, there is real no scientific basis for this. There have been no studies that have conclusively shown an untoward outcome is subsequent pregnancies following miscarriage that have occurred with less than a three month latency period.

Following a miscarriage, hormonal levels eventually revert to baseline levels. The most important hormone in this instance is beta-HCG(pregnancy hormone). Beta-HCG has a half-life (the time required for one half of a substance to be metabolized and cleared from the circulation) of about 12 hours in the circulation. When levels become undetectable, the normal hormonal release (LH and FSH; leutenizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, respectively) associated with the menstrual cycle begins again. So, depending on the beta-HCG levels prior to miscarriage, a menstrual period could occur as early as 4 to 6 weeks following a miscarriage.

I typically counsel my patients that the body will quickly heal and again be ready for another pregnancy. I do usually recommend waiting at least until after the first menstrual period, which would indicate a return to a pre-pregnancy hormonal baseline. It does, however, take considerably longer to emotionally heal following a miscarriage. When a couple feels emotionally ready to try again, the body is usually already prepared.

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About the author: David M Barrere, MD, is an obstetrician/gynecologist in practice in Ohio and Kentucky. He frequently writes on topics related to pregnancy and birth.

Notice: This information is for educational purposes only, and addresses only non-urgent questions of a general nature. If you are concerned about your health or your baby's health, please consult your family's health care provider immediately. This information is not a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions can be answered.

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