What Happens to Ovulation After Miscarriage?

There is typically no real change in ovulation after miscarriage, with many women ovulating before pregnancy loss-related bleeding even ends. In most cases, ovulation may taken place at its usual time in the cycle, generally two weeks after miscarriage-related bleeding begins. This can vary based on the woman, how far into the pregnancy she was at the time the miscarriage occurred, and how regular her cycles were before she became pregnant. The underlying cause of pregnancy loss may sometimes also play a role, although most miscarriages have no bearing on fertility.

Miscarriage is a word used to describe the sudden and often abrupt loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation. This is the first half of pregnancy, and most miscarriages take place during the first trimester, or before 12 weeks gestation. Although no one knows what causes most pregnancy losses, it is commonly believed that most miscarriages happen to due chromosomal abnormalities in the developing embryo. This is the body's way of ensuring healthy offspring, and in most cases the child would have had defects so severe that life outside the womb would be impossible.

Unless the cause of pregnancy loss is due to an abnormality in the mother, ovulation after miscarriage should not be affected. The exact timing of ovulation and the potential to become pregnant again may vary based on the woman and how long her cycles are. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but anywhere from 26 to 31 days is considered normal. Those with irregular cycles may experience delayed ovulation after miscarriage.

Most doctors advise that patients wait until one full menstrual cycle before attempting to become pregnant again. Some advise waiting for as many as three cycles before trying. This may depend on how far along the woman was in the pregnancy at the time of miscarriage. By witing, the body has time to regulate the hormones needed for pregnancy and ovulation as well as to heal itself from the contractions and trauma of miscarrying. The mother may also need time to process her emotions regarding the loss of her pregnancy.

If a woman has had more than one miscarriage, especially if they were consecutive or the woman has never had a successful pregnancy, further testing may be needed to determine if any underlying genetic or physical issues are causing chronic loss of pregnancy. Should any underlying issues be suspected, the woman may be asked to track her ovulation after miscarriage for a few months to determine how regular her cycles are. If no hormonal issues are to blame, testing may be done on her eggs and her partner's sperm to try and find any genetic problems.