Pregnancy soon after a miscarriage is no more risky to mom and baby, new research has revealed.
Contrary to current advice, getting pregnant within a few months of an abortion or a miscarriage does not appear to be extra risky.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least a six-month gap to give the woman time to recover.
Pregnancy soon after miscarriage no more risky
But a study in PLoS Medicine, analysing 72,000 conceptions, suggests couples might safely try sooner for a baby.
The WHO says more research into pregnancy spacing is already under way and would inform any future updates to the advice.
The new research from Norway, spanning eight years from 2008 to 2016, found no major differences in outcomes when a new pregnancy happened sooner than a six-month delay.
That is a different finding to earlier work in Latin America that - along with other studies - informed the WHO recommendations on a six-month wait.
Good health for conception
The authors of the latest Norwegian research say the advice needs reviewing so that couples can make an informed decision about when to try for a baby.
What experts do agree on is that being in good health increases your chance of conceiving.
Women are advised to take folic acid tablets daily while trying to get pregnant and up until 12 weeks of pregnancy.
A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are also recommended.
Medical advice
If you have had a miscarriage before, it may be helpful to ask your doctor whether there are any medical reasons why you should wait before trying to get pregnant again.
But emotional health is also a consideration.
Some couples need time to grieve and aren't ready to try again soon after a loss.
