Navigating Pregnancy After Loss: When is the Right Time to Try Again?

Question
I am 26years old and have two children (ages 5 and 19months)at home delivered by cesarean section. I found out when my youngest child was 11months that I was pregnant with my 3rd child. I was 24weeks into my pregnancy when I couldn't feel the baby move anymore. By the time I seen the doctor it was too late. I delivered the third child stillborn via csection also. It has been 3months since the stillbirth and I have had a tough time emotionally with this. The doctor said that the umbilical cord twisted like a twist tie that keeps bread fresh. He said that it was a rare thing and that there was nothing wrong with me or my placenta. I was wondering how long I should wait before trying to get pregnant again.  Thanks!

Answer
Dear Leslie,

That truly is a rare thing. I know it doesn't make it any easier, but there is just nothing that you could have done to prevent it.

As far as the appropriate time to conceive again -- typically after a pregnancy loss the general recommendation is to wait through at least two normal menstrual cycles before trying to conceive again. This allows for your body to heal and for hormones to return to normal levels.

Now - where you had another C-section, you really want to have a strong, healthy, completely healed uterus to carry a baby again to avoid any chance of uterine rupture. As a general rule after a C-section, you should probably hold off on trying to conceive again for at least 18 months. That may seem like a long time, but you've just had major surgery and you need to let your body recover. For instance, you may be anemic because of the iron transferred to your baby and placenta during the pregnancy, as well as the blood loss you suffered during childbirth. Women who deliver via C-section lose twice as much blood - about two pints on average - as women who deliver vaginally. Studies have also shown that women who conceive less than six months after giving birth may have a higher risk for complications such as a ruptured uterus or a premature or low-birth weight baby.

Talk to your doctor - his/her recommendation may be slightly less than the 18 month guideline, as he/she has seen the condition of your uterus and knows how much scar tissue there is, etc,...

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and will have a good thought for you.

Brenda