Update (May 2025): Since this episode was recorded, RANZCOG (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) has updated its guidelines. Investigations are now recommended after two miscarriages instead of three, so that women can access support and answers sooner.
Clear, practical information that often gets missed
At WHEN, we hear this all the time:
“I didn’t know what to expect after my loss, no one really explained it.”
Trying again is a big question. But before you even think about what’s next, it helps to understand what’s happening to your body right now.
After a pregnancy loss, your pregnancy hormones don’t disappear overnight. One in particular called HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) needs to drop back to zero before your period can return. This doesn’t happen instantly.
For many women, their cycle doesn’t come back in the usual 4 weeks. It might take 6 to 8 weeks or even longer. That delay is common. It just means your body is still settling, no alarm bells, just biology.
Some doctors suggest waiting for one or two full cycles before trying again. This isn’t about risk, it’s about clarity.
When your period has returned and things are back on track, it’s easier to work out how far along you are if you do fall pregnant again. It’s not a rule it’s a practical step, if that’s what works for you.
Heavy bleeding can leave your iron levels low. That can make you feel flat, foggy, or just not yourself. This isn’t always explained, but it’s common. If you’re feeling off, it’s worth checking in with your GP.
A few basics can help support your recovery and prepare your body if you’re thinking about pregnancy again:
This isn’t a diet plan. It’s about giving your body what it needs to rebuild.
Track your cycle. It doesn’t have to be perfect. An app or a notebook is enough. Knowing when your period starts, how long it lasts, and how regular things become can help you feel more in sync with your body, and better prepared if or when you decide to try again.
Bardos J, Hercz D, Friedenthal J, Missmer SA and Williams Z (2015) ‘A national survey on public perceptions of miscarriage’, Obstetrics and gynecology, 125(6):1313–1320.
Doubilet PM, Benson CB, Bourne T and Blaivas M, for the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Multispecialty Panel on Early First Trimester Diagnosis of Miscarriage and Exclusion of a Viable Intrauterine Pregnancy (2013) ‘Diagnostic Criteria for Nonviable Pregnancy Early in the First Trimester’, The New England Journal of Medicine, 369:1443-1451.
Jansson C and Adolfsson, A (2010) ‘A Swedish study of midwives’ and nurses’ experiences when women are diagnosed with a missed miscarriage during a routine ultrasound scan’, Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 1(2):67-72.
Kong GWS, Lok IH, Yiu AKW, Hui ASY, Lai BPY and Chung TKH (2013) ‘Clinical and psychological impact after surgical, medical or expectant management of first-trimester miscarriage – a randomised controlled trial’, The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 53:170-177.
Nynas J, Narang P, Kolikonda MK and Lippmann S (2015) ‘Depression and Anxiety Following Early Pregnancy Loss: Recommendations for Primary Care Providers’, The primary care companion for CNS disorders, 17(1):10.4088/PCC.14r01721.
Safer Care Victoria (SCV) (2019) Miscarriage, SCV, accessed 1 August 2024. https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-07/Miscarriage.pdf
Schummers L, Oveisi N, Ohtsuka MS, Hutcheon JA, Ahrens KA, Liauw J and Norman WV (2021) ‘Early pregnancy loss incidence in high-income settings: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis’, Systematic Reviews, 10:274.
Shelley JM, Healy D and Grover S (2005) ‘A randomised trial of surgical, medical and expectant management of first trimester spontaneous miscarriage’, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 45:122-127.
Shuaib AA and Alharazi AH (2013) ‘Medical versus surgical termination of the first trimester missed miscarriage’, Alexandria Journal of Medicine, 49(1):13-16.
The Royal Women’s Hospital (2019) Treatment for miscarriage, The Royal Women’s Hospital, accessed 1 August 2024. https://thewomens.r.worldssl.net/images/uploads/fact-sheets/Miscarriage-treatment-090419.pdf
Trinder J, Brocklehurst P, Porter R, Read M, Vyas S and Smith L (2006) ‘Management of miscarriage: expectant, medical, or surgical? Results of randomised controlled trial (miscarriage treatment (MIST) trial)’, BMJ, 7552:1235.
University Hospital Southampton (UHS) (2021) Recovering well after a surgical management of miscarriage, UHS, accessed 1 August 2024. https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/Media/UHS-website-2019/Patientinformation/Womenshealth/Recovering-well-after-a-surgical-management-of-miscarriage-3047-PIL.pdf
Wu HL, Marwah S, Wang P, Wang, QM and Chen XW (2017) ‘Misoprostol for medical treatment of missed abortion: a systematic review and network meta-analysis’, Scientific reports, 7(1);1664.
Zhang J, Gilles JM, Barnhart K, Creinin MD, Westhoff C and Frederick MM (2005) ‘A comparison of medical management with misoprostol and surgical management for early pregnancy failure’, The New England Journal of Medicine, 353:761–769.
Need Immediate Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling during the postnatal period, it’s crucial to remember that immediate help is available. Here are steps and resources you can turn to:
In Urgent Situations:
Support Services:
Remember, you are not alone, and reaching out for help is a step toward healing. Your well-being is important, and support is just a phone call away.