pregnancy after birth (sensible answers please)?

Question

i was previously 29 weeks pregnant and found out that my baby was stillborn, as i didnt misscarry i was told by doctors i would be induced and hav 2 hav normal labour 2 days later which i did. its now been a month later and me and my partner are discussing trying 2 conceive again... what are the risks? will it b hard to conceieve so soon after? how long after giving birth is safe 2 get pregnant again? could it affect me?

and i wanna thank every one who replies with their kind condolences and words of support, your words have been of great comfort

Answer 1

I am so sorry for your loss, my friend has recently tragically lost her baby after going into labour at normal at 40 weeks, the baby was unexpectedly stillborn.

I am also 27 weeks pregnant and can emphasise how hard this must be to go through.

It is important to wait at least 6 weeks after birth, or until the bleeding stops, if later.

You will also want to try and found out what caused the problem this time, although sometimes the doctors just do not know.

Then, it depends completely on your health. If you are healthy, have a good diet, and ensure you have vitamin and mineral supplements, such as pregnacare, as well as extra iron and calcium, then there is no problem with trying early.

I have friends with babies less than a year apart, they are fine and healthy, although I have had my children 2 years apart as I really am not that healthy and had hemorrhages with all of them! I couldn't have managed any closer, physically, so it is for you to assess how well you feel.

People may say to wait as you are still grieving so much, but it is natural to want to get pregnant again. Although a new baby will not replace your loss ever, and the baby you lost was loved very much, it can still be a help and a hope for you to have the family you want to as soon as possible.

Answer 2

I want to express my sincere condolences on your loss. Being a surrogate mother (and mom of my own!) I have many, many friends who have experienced your loss.

Most women are highly fertile up to 12 months after their last pregnancy. Doctors will tell you that you should wait some time (usually about 3-4 months) before attempting to get pregnant again. There can be complications for your future pregnancies, and more than likely you will be put in the "high risk" category based on your past experience. No matter what, keep trying!

Best of luck to you and your partner!

Answer 3

Wow, I'm soo sorry for you loss! I can't believe you'd want to get pregnant again so soon! You must be very strong to have come to terms with your loss already!
First, I have a couple of questions: are you still having post-birth bleeding? If you have stopped, have you had a real period yet? Do you know if you've begun to ovulate? Also, are you having any councelling or are you on anti-depressants because of your loss?
I have seen a study that suggests the best time to become pregnant after a birth is around the 2 year mark, but less than 4 years (it seems risks are higher outside of this timeline for some reason...) however, i do know many women who have had children at both ends of the spectrum (my mom and both of my sisters, to name a few on the close end) and things have turned out well. If you are to become pregnant within the first year after your birth, you are likely to grow much quicker because it's proven to take at least a year for the uterus to go back down completely to pre-pregnancy size, so even if you're back to your normal jeans-size, your uterus is still a bit "ballooned out", if that makes sense.
Anyways, in all fairness, you could get pregnant again pretty much immediately if you wanted to. A woman is said to be most fertile just after giving birth (not sure why that is, but it seems to be true as I know a LOT of women who have become pregnant with a couple of months of their last birth so have 2 children under 1 at birth time!!)
My biggest concern for you is that you truly are emotionally ready...you've just lost your child and nothing is worse that that! No parent should have to bury their child, but I know it happens quite a lot. Just be sure you are through grieving before you ttc again.
good luck

Answer 4

Sorry for your loss, you must be heartbroken.In my experience I had an ectopic pregnancy and had my right fallopian tube removed. Doctor told me to wait a while before trying to conceive again but didn't specify how long.I gave it 6 months then began trying again and after another 6 months became pregnant! All went well and my first was born, and nine short months later i discovered i was expecting my second(carelessness!). I think if there are no underlying problems, and you're fit and healthy 5 or six month break should do it, but the best person to ask would be your doctor. Good luck, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Answer 5

I sympathise with you for your loss, 7 years ago I had a still born little girl at 34 weeks and went through the same process of being induced and giving birth. I totally understand your reasons for wanting to try again, but trust me one month is too soon. You body needs to heal physically but you need to get back on an even keel emotionally too. Your loss is still very raw and even though you may feel that getting pregnant again will fill the hole left by your loss, trust me it doesn't.
Rushing in to it may also affect your physical health putting you and your unborn baby at risk. After my stillbirth my next pregnancy was ectopic and i really wasn't emotionally prepared to go through the loss process again.
On the up side some seven years later i have 2 beautiful boys so you must never give up hope, but it is only now i am seeking counselling for my loss back then as i fell i never really dealt with the grief or loss. the pain doesn't go away, but it does get easier.
Have some time with your partner a grieve for your little one. Don't forget about him either as everyone tends to make an enormous fuss around you and not your partner. He has lost his baby too.
My thoughts are with you and I hope that one day you will be blessed with a beautiful healthy baby. x

Answer 6

Right now is supposed to be a very fertile time for your body. In theory it would be easy for you to get pregnant right away if you wanted. I have 3 different friends who were in similar positions and each concieved right after (within 2 months)the loss of the baby. They were all healthy women who had no complications or health problems from getting pregnant right away. Unless your doctor says otherwise it will only affect your hormones and emotions which probably are still a bit out of whack from the last delivery. I think if you feel up to the emotional roller coaster you could try now. You might want to check with your doctor first though. Just in case he knows something about your medical history that would say otherwise. Good Luck to you!

Answer 7

First of all i am sorry for your loss you must be heart broken my thoughts are with you both. I think you will be very firtile because we are after child birth. My sister lost her first child like you but three months later she was pregnant again and went on to have a healthy baby so you have every chance of having a healthy baby. If i was you i would discuss it with my doctor to find out when it was safe to put your mind at ease. Good luck and i am wishing you well.

Answer 8

first I'm so sorry.

Second after a normal pregnancy and birth doctor's recommend not having sex for at least 6 weeks. To be sure you are healed. I would speak with your doctor about how soon is too soon to get pregnant again, because you want to make sure that your body has fully healed and will be the best environment for a new baby.

Answer 9

First, let me say how sorry I am to hear about your loss. I know there are truly no words to express comfort to you during this time. I know you want to conceive again as it is only natural. My only caution is that it has only been a month. Physical healing is one thing. But have you healed emotionally? Any loss such as one you have experienced should be mourned. No, I don't expect you to mourn forever. But losing a child in any fashion is so traumatic. I just want you to make sure you have a clean bill of health physically as well as emotionally. If you and your partner are truly ready to move forward, I send many handfuls of baby dust and prayers your way. Good luck to you and stay positive and I know a healthy baby is on its way to you.

Answer 10

I have a friend who lost a baby at 16 weeks, not quite the same situation as you, but they did try again and they did have a healthy baby boy 2 months ago. She and her husband waited about a year and a half after they had lost the baby to try again. Good luck in your persute and I am sorry for your loss.