Thinking about future pregnancies
Giving yourself space
Grieving for your baby can also mean grieving the future you imagined. Your thoughts and feelings about pregnancy may shift over time. You don’t need to have answers right away. Try to notice what feels right for you now, knowing this may change later.
Not everyone wants to try again — and that’s okay. Some people feel unsure for a long time. Others may want to think about it sooner.
Medical considerations
If you’re considering another pregnancy, here are some general suggestions:
- After a loss before 12 weeks: waiting one full period is often recommended.
- After a loss after 12 weeks: waiting around three months may be advised.
Fertility and ovulation can return quickly — even before your first period after your loss. If you’re not ready to try again, talk to your doctor about contraception. Your doctor can help guide you based on your needs.
If you’ve had two or more losses, especially if you’re over 35 years of age, your doctor may suggest some tests before trying to become pregnant again, such as:
- Genetic testing.
- Hormone or thyroid checks.
- Blood clotting tests.
- Imaging of the uterus or cervix.
- Screening for conditions like diabetes or immune disorders.
These tests may help identify possible risks with future pregnancies, but sometimes no clear results are found. Your care team will talk to you about your options and help you plan for what’s next.
Supporting your health
Taking care of your body can also help with emotional healing. You might want to:
- Eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough rest.
- Move your body gently.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations (like rubella or flu).
- Go to follow-up appointments.
- Take preconception vitamins such as folic acid (if you are planning to become pregnant again).
- Follow safety advice during pregnancy from resources like the Safer Baby Bundle.
These are suggestions — not rules. Talk with your care provider about what matters most to you right now. Together, you can make a plan that feels right.
If you’re thinking about trying again, you may find our companion guide helpful: Pregnancy After Loss: A guide for navigating your pregnancy journey.
For more information about care and support after the loss of a baby, visit carearoundloss.stillbirthcre.org.au
A moment to pause: A mindfulness practice
Wellbeing Strategy
Grief and uncertainty can feel overwhelming. This gentle exercise can help you feel grounded:
A moment to pause
Take a deep breath. Right now, you are here.
Sit or lie down. Place a hand on your heart or belly. Breathe slowly — in through your nose, out through your mouth. Do this a few times.
Acknowledging your feelings
Notice what you are feeling right now, without judgment.
- If you’re feeling scared, you can say: “Right now, I feel afraid.”
- If you’re feeling sadness, allow for that feeling: “This is a really hard moment.”
- If you’re feeling hope, that’s okay too: “It’s okay to have some hope.”
Let the feelings come and go — like waves.
Grounding in the present
Use your senses to stay grounded:
- What do you hear? The hum of a fan, the chirping of birds, distant voices?
- What do you feel? The warmth of your hands, the softness of a blanket?
- What do you see? Light filtering through a window, the colours around you?
A Gentle Reminder
Say to yourself:
- “I am doing my best.”
- “I don’t need to have all the answers.”
- “I am not alone.”
A kindness to yourself
Place your hand gently over your heart, or wherever feels most comforting offer yourself kindness:
- “May I be gentle with myself.”
- “May I find moments of peace.”
Closing the Practice
Take one more deep breath.
As you breathe out, let yourself come back to the space around you.
If your eyes were closed, you can open them now.
Remember, you can come back to this practice anytime you need a moment of calm.
Be kind to yourself. You are not alone.
No matter where you are in your journey, your feelings and needs are real.
This is a moment to gently check in with yourself.
You might choose to:
- Notice what you’re feeling right now
- Reflect on what you need most today
- Consider who or what could support you next.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to fix anything. Just noticing what feels true for you today is enough.
Take a break now to reflect, or come back later.
