Family Planning after Pregnancy Loss or Stillbirth
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Plan for a healthy pregnancy:
Most women can have a healthy baby after pregnancy loss or stillbirth. Your risk for another stillbirth or miscarriage may be reduced if you plan your pregnancy. You can take steps to help increase your chances of getting pregnant and help you and your baby stay healthy during pregnancy.
See your doctor for an exam before you get pregnant:
Your healthcare provider will make sure you are healthy and ready to get pregnant. Tell your provider about your medical conditions, past surgeries, and medicines you take. Your provider will help manage your medical conditions. This may include good control over your blood sugar level and blood pressure. Blood tests may be used to check for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid problems, or infections. An ultrasound may be used to take pictures of your reproductive organs and check for problems. A vaginal smear test checks for any problems with your cervix.
Get genetic disorder screening tests before your pregnancy:
These tests may be recommended to check the risk for some genetic disorders. A genetic counselor can explain how certain conditions are passed from one family member to another. Counseling may also help you understand how a genetic condition has caused a pregnancy loss or stillbirth. A screening test may include blood tests to check you or your partner's DNA. The results may show an increased risk for certain conditions that can be passed to a baby. Genetic tests are not always accurate or complete. Your baby may be born with a genetic disorder that did not show up in the tests. Talk to your provider about any concerns you have with genetic testing.
Keep all prenatal appointments during your next pregnancy:
You and your baby may need close monitoring during your next pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may check your baby's heart rate and movements frequently. You may also need your blood pressure checked frequently. Your provider may recommend any of the following tests:
- Chorionic villus sampling is done during the first trimester (9 to 11 weeks). A sample of cells from the placenta is taken to examine the chromosomes.
- Amniocentesis is done during the second trimester (16 to 18 weeks). A sample of the fluid surrounding the baby is taken to examine the chromosomes.
- Ultrasound pictures may be taken of the baby's spine and skull.
- Fetal Doppler velocimetry uses sound waves to check the blood flow inside your placenta and umbilical cord.
- A nonstress test (NST) may be used to check your baby's heartbeat while moving around. This ensures that your baby is getting enough oxygen.
Take care of yourself before pregnancy:
- Reach a healthy weight before you get pregnant. A healthy weight may decrease your risk for another stillbirth or miscarriage. Your healthcare provider will tell you what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a safe weight loss plan, if needed.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish. Limit caffeine to less than 200 milligrams (mg) each day. Ask your provider if you need a special diet.
- Take prenatal vitamins as directed. Prenatal vitamins provide extra vitamins and minerals you need to prepare your body for pregnancy. Some prenatal vitamins may help decrease the risk of certain birth defects. You may start taking prenatal vitamins or folic acid supplements 1 month or more before you become pregnant. Continue to take them for the first 2 to 3 months (8 to 12 weeks) of pregnancy. Always ask your provider before you take vitamins or nutritional supplements.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Regular exercise provides health benefits such as weight management, and decreased risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Exercise can also help improve your mood. Some examples of exercise include walking, biking, dancing, and swimming. Ask your provider about the best exercise plan for you.
- Manage your stress. Increased stress can cause problems with getting pregnant or during pregnancy. Deep breathing, meditation, and quiet activities such as listening to music may help reduce stress.
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs. Alcohol, smoking, and other drugs can cause health problems and increase your risk for a stillbirth. Talk to your provider if you need help to quit using any of these.
- Care for your mental health. You may need extra support if you have a mental health condition. You may have feelings of depression or anxiety after pregnancy loss. A support group or counselor can help you prepare for a future pregnancy. Calm emotions will help you feel ready for pregnancy and help your baby grow in a healthy environment. Ask your provider for information about counseling or support groups.
- Get enough sleep. A healthy sleep schedule may help balance your hormones, manage your emotions, and support your immune system and overall health. Poor sleep can increase your risk for problems during pregnancy. You should get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
Do kick counts during pregnancy as directed:
Your healthcare provider may tell you to start doing kick counts at 32 weeks of pregnancy. Kick counts monitor how much your baby is moving in your womb. Frequent movements are a good sign that your baby is active and well.
For more information:
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
P.O. Box 70620
Washington , DC 20024-9998
Phone: 1- 202 - 638-5577
Phone: 1- 800 - 673-8444
Web Address: http://www.acog.org
- March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains , NY 10605
Web Address: http://www.marchofdimes.com
© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.