Getting pregnant again postpartum

[Andrasa]

Not sure whether to start this here/pregnancy/general parenting.

has anyone tried to/been pregnant quite quickly after giving birth? I know a lot of the advice suggests leaving at least an 18 month gap to let your body recover, but there’s no way I’m going to be able to wait for that long. I was wondering if anyone else had starting trying to conceive quite quickly afterwards and if there was anything particular that might be able to make it less rough on your body doing it twice on the bounce. I spent my pregnancy eating crap and not stressing about the weight gain so I’d definitely benefit from cutting the carbs and upping the protein, and I imagine continuing with pregnancy/conception vitamins to try and build a store back up.

unfortunately gave birth to my son stillborn last week at 38+3 so I need something to focus on in the next few weeks that isn’t lying in bed and crying. I’m still healing from a second degree tear so can’t be super active yet, but at least eating healthily feels like it has a purpose and is something to do with this empty maternity leave.

Oh gosh I’m so sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine how heartbreaking and painful that must be.

From my experience, I was pregnant with our second 9 months after my first was born and didn’t feel any negative impact on my body, had an easy pregnancy, delivery and recovery and I was 39 so it’s definitely possible.

Wishing you all the very best of luck

I didn't have two pregnancies close together so I can't advise much but your pelvic floor usually takes quite a hit so have a look into some exercises you can do to support it specifically following a tear then pregnancy.

OP I'm terribly sorry for your loss, you must be in inconceivable pain and crying in bed is totally okay if that's what you want and need to do!

So sorry to hear about your loss. What was his name?

I would give yourself time to heal and grieve. My cousin got pregnant straight after a still birth (not sure she even had a period between) which sadly ended in a late miscarriage and it did not help her mental health.

I’m so sorry for your loss.

I really think you should take some time to seek support and research about this though as having another pregnancy so soon after the first can put you and the baby at higher risk of complications. Also if you are waiting to find out any medical results from the previous pregnancy then they could be beneficial to know before planning another one as you might need some medical intervention during the next pregnancy. At least give yourself the 6 weeks to heal as it’s not about the tearing, but the internal parts that need to heal before attempting to have sex again or you are putting yourself at risk of infection.

Yes, definitely waiting at least six weeks don’t worry! I’ve ordered some ovulation strips to also just see how my hormones settle before I jump into anything. I just feel a bit helpless and this is something I can control for now.

pelvic floor is a good shout, I’ve got the app so that’s an easy distraction to add in.

We’ve been told the autopsy will take up to six months and is probably 50/50 for giving us any solid reasons for it. He was very small, well below even the 3% we’d been told at the growth scan the week earlier, so likelihood is a placenta issue. Considering my husband is in his 40s and I’m hitting 35 we don’t have ages to wait though, and although we got pregnant first time last time I’m well aware it could take a lot longer.

ideal world would be pregnant by Christmas to make that a little less awful.