- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preconception articles
- preconception q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Traci Kurtzer Obstetrician and Gynecologist | ||
 |
My husband and I terminated a pregnancy six weeks ago after finding out our baby had Trisomy 18. I was 18 weeks at the time. I went through labor and delivery and delivered the placenta without a D&C. My question is when can we conceive again? Is this situation treated differently than a first trimester miscarriage?
Whenever a couple experiences a loss -- whether in the first, second or third trimester -- there are emotional and physical issues that need to be resolved prior to planning for the next pregnancy. Physically you will need 6-8 weeks to recover. Emotional recovery can take much longer. I usually advise that you have at least two normal periods prior to attempting conception. This allows for accurate dating of the next pregnancy. As for emotional recovery, once you are able grieve and move forward without having the grief overshadow the next pregnancy, then you are ready. Good Luck.
Related Expert Q&A
More Answers by this Expert
- I am pregnant and planning a trip to India, Thailand, South Africa and Australia. Is it OK to fly and take a 3-month-old to these countries?
- Can I get pregnant during menopause, 18 months after my last period?
- My daughter just had her second C-section and was told her uterus was still open from her first C-section. What does this mean?
- Our daughter has a negative blood type and didn't receive her second RhoGam shot until eight days after giving birth. Will this create problems with future pregnancies?
- After giving birth, my daughter's placenta failed to come out. Is this normal?