‘Why could I not hold the baby?’: Geeta Basra reveals having a ‘very, very difficult time’ dealing with two miscarriages after daughter’s birth

Impact on mental health

Miscarriages can be incredibly exhausting, both physically and mentally, and recovering from the loss requires months of rest and self-care. “While your body returns to normal in a few months after the loss, you should still take some time before trying to conceive,” said Dr Gurpreet Singh Kalra, Medical Director – India, ART Fertility Clinics, Gurgaon.

He shared some long-term effects on the health of a woman:

“No matter when it happens, miscarriages drain a couple emotionally. Intense feelings of grief, anger, and even guilt are common. But there is no ‘normal’ way to react to the loss of an unborn baby. Some miscarriages happen in a matter of a few hours, while others might take days or even weeks. Naturally, these are highly taxing phases, and people may take many months to recover from them,” said Dr Kalra.

Even though you want a child, don’t rush into conceiving before you are mentally ready. “There is no set time to emotionally recover from miscarriage, as it is a delicate situation. Being free of stress and negative emotions will have a better impact on your future pregnancy,” he advised.

Geeta Basra and family at a water park. (Source: Instagram/@geetabasra)

Impact on physical health

Doctors recommend waiting up to three months or at least one complete menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again. You might start ovulating as early as two weeks after a miscarriage, but your body takes 2-3 months to have regular periods. “Moreover, the hCG hormone can also take one or two months to drop back to normal levels. If you try conceiving before that, you may get a false positive on pregnancy tests. Or worse, the steady drop in hCG can be misdiagnosed as another pregnancy loss,” Dr Kalra said.

If you have more than one miscarriage, getting a complete preconception check-up helps detect any underlying causes for the loss.

“Uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid problems, PCOS, autoimmune conditions, genetic abnormalities, and other health conditions increase the chances of miscarriage. By detecting them early, you can have a better chance of conceiving and giving birth to a healthy child,” he mentioned, adding that in case some health conditions prevent you from getting pregnant naturally, you can also opt for In Vitro Fertilization.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Lifestyle changes are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Dr Kalra reiterated the importance of a balanced diet that includes leafy vegetables, pulses, fruits, and iron-rich foods. Additionally, drinking at least eight glasses of water daily is extremely important.

“Smoking, consumption of alcohol, or recreational drugs can impact your conception negatively. Avoid these habits and limit your caffeine intake to less than 200mg per day,” he advised, while encouraging mild to moderate exercise in your routine. This includes activities such as walking, yoga, or jogging. “It is best to avoid anything physically too vigorous or strenuous as extreme exercise can inhibit your ability to release eggs,” he added.

Dr Kalra also suggested keeping stress in check by including activities like meditation and journaling, and taking folic acid supplements to prevent congenital abnormalities in the baby.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.