A common myth among people says that following a miscarriage, plans for a next pregnancy should be delayed. No immediate plans should be made or implemented for a quick pregnancy.

A study at the University of Aberdeen has now debunked the myth. In fact, the study confirms that women who get pregnant within 6 months of a miscarriage have higher chances of a healthy pregnancy period with minimum complications.

The study involved a review of 30,000 women visiting hospitals in Scotland from 1981 to 2000. All these women had a miscarriage and then conceived again in the next six months. A study of the data available revealed that 85 percent of women who planned for pregnancy and got pregnant in 6 months of miscarriage gave birth to healthy babies. Among those who allowed a gap of two years to get pregnant again following a miscarriage, the rate of healthy babies was slightly declined to 73 percent.

The study also revealed that the women who get pregnant within 6 months were at lower risk of another miscarriage, complications like ectopic pregnancy or termination than those who got pregnant in 6 to 12 months after the initial miscarriage. The findings also confirmed that getting pregnant within 6 months reduces the risk of Caesarean section, underweight babies and premature deliveries.

These findings are in sharp contrast to the World Health Organization’s guidelines for pregnant women which recommend a delay of minimum six months in next pregnancy following a miscarriage.

Dr. Sohinee Bhattacharya, the lead researcher, said that unnecessary delay in conception should be avoided. In some cases like noticing signs of infection, a delay in pregnancy is acceptable. If not the women should not be discouraged from a quicker second conception.

Dr. Bhattacharya suggests that couples should be informed about the negative effects of 18-24 months of delay in second pregnancy. Usually, a woman who suffers a miscarriage recovers physically within 3 months. Given the mental strain she undergoes for another proper pregnancy at the earliest and the fact that she is physically capable of another conception, a delay seems quite unnecessary and in fact can let pass the benefits associated.

Source:

BBC News