If you're trying to conceive after a miscarriage, make sure you're aware of these seven dos and don'ts. Although there's never a guarantee that you won't miscarry again, following these points will keep your conception odds as high and your miscarriage risk as low as possible.
Don't Smoke
If you currently smoke, quitting smoking before you try to get pregnant can not only decrease your risk of miscarriage but can also improve the odds that your future baby will be born as healthy as possible. Your partner should also consider quitting if he is currently a smoker.More »
Do Take Folic Acid
Some evidence suggests that adequate folic acid intake might reduce miscarriage risk, but it's not conclusive. What is conclusive is that taking adequate amounts of folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects, a type of birth defect that can be very serious and even fatal.More »
Don't Use a Hot Tub
A hot tub can usually be a great way to relax, but not if you might be pregnant. Evidence suggests that having an elevated body temperature in early pregnancy might increase your risk of miscarriage and/or neural tube defects. If you want to take a bath at any point in your cycle when you might be pregnant, use a standard bath tub with warm, rather than hot, water.More »
Don't Drink Alcohol
Although an occasional drink here and there probably won't hurt anything when you're trying to conceive, alcohol in pregnancy can cause numerous problems and there's a chance that heavy drinking in early pregnancy might cause miscarriage. It's probably best to quit drinking alcohol while you're trying to get pregnant.More »
Do Cut Back on Caffeine
The science behind the link isn't clear, but several studies have found a correlation between moderate to high caffeine intake (more than 200-300 mg/day) and risk of miscarriage. A small amount isn't harmful, but it's probably wise to limit your intake of coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks to one or two drinks per day while you are trying to get pregnant.More »
Do Have a Preconception Visit
Plan to have a preconception visit with the healthcare provider you intend to use for your prenatal care when you are pregnant. If you will be continuing to use the same doctor you saw before your miscarriage and that doctor knows you are trying again, you may not need a preconception visit -- but if you are switching doctors or have any questions that need answering before you get pregnant, a preconception visit is an excellent way to make sure everything is in order.More »
Don't Let Stress Take Over Your Life
Even though a new pregnancy might be the thing you want most in the world, it's normal if you feel highly anxious and stressed out about the idea of getting pregnant again. Make stress management a priority in your life and try to find ways to let yourself relax.More »