It is possible to have a healthy pregnancy after miscarriage. In fact, for most women, it’s very likely. However, this may be of little comfort if you are mourning the loss of your child. If you are pregnant again, you may be feeling a whirlwind of emotions as you simultaneously grieve for your unborn child and anticipate your new baby’s arrival.

Experiencing Pregnancy After Miscarriage

In most cases, a miscarriage is unlikely to happen again. However, many couples choose to speak to a fertility counselor. He/she can pinpoint any factors that may have contributed and determine if there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of reoccurrence.

Even if you fear the worst, it’s likely that you will have a very normal pregnancy after miscarriage. According to the American Pregnancy Association, over 85 percent of women who have had one miscarriage will be able to have a successful following pregnancy. More than 75 percent of those who have experienced two or three miscarriages will eventually give birth to a child.

Many women who have gone on to have a second child after a miscarriage say the joy of becoming a parent helps to dull the pain they feel over the loss of their first child. In fact, it’s quite common for women to consider their second children to be “miracle” babies.

Finding Closure

To fully enjoy your current pregnancy, you must come to terms with the loss you have experienced. Many women who have become pregnant after miscarriage say it helps to express their feelings through painting, poetry, music, or other creative outlets. Others choose to bury baby blankets, toys, ultrasound photos, or small mementos in a private family ceremony. You may also want to consider making a charitable donation to your favorite non-profit organization in honor of your lost child.

While there is no definite timeframe for the grieving process, it’s important to recognize the signs that professional help may be needed. If you are experiencing any of the following, considering making an appointment to speak to a qualified counselor or therapist:

* Trouble coping with everyday tasks
* Overwhelming fear or anxiety about your current pregnancy
* Feelings of guilt about what you may have done to “cause” your miscarriage
* Anger towards your spouse or other loved ones
* Extreme pessimism about your current pregnancy
* Frequent emotional outbursts
Available Support Services

Since it can be difficult for those who haven’t experienced a pregnancy loss to understand your feelings, you may want to consider taking advantage of support services designed for women who have miscarried.

Many hospitals provide support groups for women who have experienced a miscarriage. There may also be organizations in your community that can help. Your healthcare provider or your local women’s center should be able to provide you with contact information for these resources.

Maternity and women’s health care are important issues for any woman of childbearing age. Even if you aren’t currently pregnant, or aren’t even planning to become pregnant in the near future, it’s a good idea to remember that women of childbearing age have certain needs that are different from women at other stages of life.

Maternity and Women’s Health Care Basics

Since many pregnancies are unplanned, even when anticipated with joy, it’s a good idea to take care of yourself throughout your adult life in the event that you should become pregnant.

That means being aware of factors that impact pregnancy and birth and knowing about the basics of prenatal care and preconception care.

If you plan to have children at some point in the near future or are actively trying to conceive, maternity and women’s health care are even more important. Talk to your health care provider about specific things you should be doing to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Women’s Health Care Tips

For all women of childbearing age, there are certain guidelines that should be followed to give your potential baby the best start possible.

* Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit before you start trying to conceive.
* Likewise, don’t use drugs while you are trying to get pregnant or during your pregnancy.
* Eat a healthy diet.
* Get moderate amounts of exercise. The current recommendation is at least 30 minutes a day of moderate activity, but an hour is even better.
* Take a multivitamin or supplement that includes 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. This can help prevent birth defects that may occur even before you know you’re pregnant.
* Get up-to-date on immunizations.
* Once you are actively trying to conceive, stop drinking alcohol.
Talking to Your Doctor

If you and your partner have decided to try to conceive, set up an appointment to talk to your doctor. He or she can advise you on the proper supplements, exercise program, and nutrition you need as you work on conceiving.

Make sure you talk to your doctor about all prescription drugs, vitamins and supplements, and herbal supplements that you are taking. Some drugs and herbs that are perfectly safe to take when not pregnant are dangerous when you are expecting.

Ask your doctor if you have any worries concerning your health during pregnancy. If you have a health condition that you think might interfere with conception or with your chances of having a healthy pregnancy, talk with your doctor about your options.

The most important part of maternity and women’s health care is that women be as informed as possible and take an active role in discovering and doing the things that are best for them and for their babies.