Time to conception after miscarriage : how long to wait?

Abstract

Q: Time to conception after miscarriage: how long to wait? Evidence-based answer: an interpregnancy interval (IPI) of < 6 months following miscarriage is associated with an increased live birth rate in subsequent pregnancy, lower risks of preterm birth and subsequent miscarriage, and no difference in rates of stillbirth, pre-eclampsia, and low birth weight infants (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, well-done metaanalysis). (IPI is defined as the time between the end of one pregnancy and the last menstrual period of a subsequent one.) A very short IPI (< 3 months), when compared with an IPI of 6 to 18 monts, is associated with the lowest rate of subsequent miscarriage (SOR: B, cohort study). However, for women who experience a pregnancy loss at 14 to 19 weeks' gestation, an IPI < 3 months is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or birth before 24 weeks' gestation (SOR: B, cohort study). Women with a short IPI following miscarriage may be at increased risk for anxiety and depression in the first trimester of subsequent pregnancy (SOR: B, cohort study).