How to Prepare
Miscarriage is common and sometimes the cause will not be known. The following information is intended to guide you to be as healthy as possible and prepare you for a healthy pregnancy.
Most miscarriages cannot be prevented and are often attributed to issues with the baby's chromosomes, leading to improper development of the pregnancy. However, there are certain measures you can take to lower the risk of miscarriage:
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Avoid consuming alcohol and drugs such as cannabis, heroin, crack, and cocaine during pregnancy
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Refrain from smoking, or exposure to second-hand smoking, during pregnancy
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Achieve a healthy weight prior to becoming pregnant
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Take precautions to prevent infections
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Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
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Take folic acid, starting at least three months before you become pregnant: the recommended dose is 400 micrograms every day. Some women may be at a higher risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect (such as spina bifida) and a higher supplement of folic acid (5 mg) may be recommended
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Take a vitamin D supplement.
Once you have decided to try and become pregnant again, you should consult with your doctor before taking any supplements to ensure you receive the correct dosage. You should also discuss any prescription or non-prescription medications that you are taking with your GP to ensure that they are safe to take when you are trying to conceive or during your pregnancy.
For more information about these health behaviours, please visit hse.ie/my-child.
It is normal to feel anxious about another pregnancy after a miscarriage so taking steps to look after your mental health is also important. Good support and care can improve your pregnancy outcome. Finding someone you trust to share how you feel, be it your partner, family or friends can be helpful. You may find it beneficial to talk to others who have experienced a pregnancy loss and became pregnant again.
The following supports are also available at CUMH:
• Nutrition and pregnancy
• Perinatal mental health
• Smoking cessation.