Pregnancy After a D& C Procedure
If you’re reading this article, you’ve likely terminated your pregnancy or lost your unborn baby. Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure that is used to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or an abortion. Keep reading for more information on pregnancy after a D&C.
What Are Your Chances of Getting Pregnant After a D&C?
As mentioned above, D&C is performed when a woman has had a miscarriage or wishes to terminate the pregnancy. It’s believed that the dilation and curettage procedure affects the pregnancy rate. After having a miscarriage, you must not lose heart as chances of having a successful pregnancy still remain very high, and you surely can conceive and have a baby in some time.
How Long Should You Wait After a D&C to Get Pregnant?
After going through a D&C procedure, wait for two weeks and then visit your gynaecologist to determine the extent of recovery. Once your body recovers completely, you can go ahead and try for a baby. Most specialists suggest waiting for at least three menstrual cycles. But ensure you’re physically and mentally ready.
How to Boost Your Chances Post a D&C
Although a D&C does affect your reproductive health, there are ways to boost your chances of pregnancy. For a healthy pregnancy, you need to be healthy. These tips will help you do just that!
1. Consume Foods Rich in Folic Acid
Folic acid is a man-made form of folate. It helps in the production of red blood cells and in the development of a baby’s brain. If folic acid is consumed before and during pregnancy, it can prevent birth defects in the baby. Hence, increase your folic acid intake. You can eat foods rich in folic acid or take folic acid supplements if you like.
2. Eat Healthy Foods
Eating healthily before and during pregnancy is important. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help the development of your baby’s brain. Dairy products prepare your body for pregnancy by providing calcium and proteins. A diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals is essential for a healthy pregnancy; so start consuming milk, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables and water.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being underweight or overweight can cause complications during delivery. Hence, you should maintain a healthy weight for a smooth pregnancy. If you’re overweight and want to conceive, stop eating junk foods. Exercising daily can also prepare your body for pregnancy.
4. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Another thing you can do to boost your chances is giving up alcohol. Heavy drinking and smoking increase the chances of a miscarriage. Change your habits. Eat well and exercise often!
5. Reignite the Passion
It’s no mystery how babies are born! Start indulging in sex with your partner. Spending intimate time with each other regularly increases the chances of conception. If you have sex on the most fertile days, it’s easy to become pregnant.
6. Seek Medical Help
While trying for pregnancy after a miscarriage or multiple miscarriages, talk to a specialist. Consult a doctor you trust and ask her how you can get pregnant again.
What If You Are Unable to Conceive?
Some women have issues conceiving after a D&C procedure due to hormonal imbalance or a rare complication called Asherman’s syndrome. In that case, you need to consult a gynaecologist and get yourself reviewed for serum prolactin, thyroid function test and ultrasound so that specific treatment can be initiated to enhance the probability of conceiving.
The thought of being unable to conceive can be scary, but you shouldn’t let it affect you. Seeking medical help in a timely manner can help you take measures to increase your chances of conceiving.
Also Read: Pregnancy After Abortion