What To Eat & Avoid After A Miscarriage?

A miscarriage affects your health, so eat foods that support your sensitive system.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Neha Singh, MS Dr. Neha Singh Dr. Neha SinghMS Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Obstetrics and GynecologyExperience: 8 years
Written by , B.Tech Ria Saha B.Tech Follow MomJunction on LinkedinMomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Pregnancy and Baby FoodExperience: 9 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc Lorraine Teron MSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 2 years
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Foods To Eat After Misscarriage

Image: ShutterStock

In addition to emotional support, a woman needs physical nourishment and appropriate healing foods to promote proper recovery. A miscarriage is a devastating experience. There is no way to compensate for the loss of a child, regardless of how early in the pregnancy it occurs.

Multiple institutions conducted a comprehensive study to explore various facets of miscarriage. According to their findings, the combined risk of experiencing a miscarriage among all recognized pregnancies was estimated to be 15.3%. Unfortunately, most miscarriages are still not openly discussed nowadays. However, it is critical to discuss miscarriages and talk about this heartbreaking loss.

The body of a woman also becomes vulnerable after a pregnancy loss. Therefore, it is critical to understand what foods to consume after a miscarriage and what foods to avoid. This can help you recover from the miscarriage and prevent one from occurring again.

In This Article

Best Foods To Eat After Miscarriage

A miscarriage can cause heavy bleeding and dizziness. It can also cause weakness. The food you eat during this time can impact your health greatly. Here are some healthful and energy-boosting foods you should eat after a miscarriage:

1. Iron-rich foods:

Iron-rich foods to eat after miscarriage

Image: Shutterstock

As mentioned before, a miscarriage can cause heavy bleeding (1). That can cause depletion in the amount of iron in your body. You may even experience anemia and other symptoms of iron deficiency due to your miscarriage. Feelings of weakness and fatigue are common after a miscarriage. That is why it is important to consume iron-rich foods after a pregnancy loss.

The best kind of iron to consume after a miscarriage is heme-ironiIron obtained from plant sources. . It is the kind of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Lean meat is a good source of heme-iron. So consume red meat in plenty after a miscarriage. But remember to cook it well. Avoid frying it. You can grill it instead.

Other sources of non-heme iron includes:

  • Beans
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Raisins
  • Lentils
  • Dried Peaches
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Soybeans
  • Sesame butter (Tahini)
  • Brown Rice
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Molasses

Apart from consuming these iron-rich foods, try consuming foods that are rich in vitamin C. These vitamin-rich foods can help in better absorption of iron by the body. Fruits, including lemon, oranges, papaya, strawberries, and grapefruits, should be a part of your post-miscarriage diet.

protip_icon Experts say
According to the American Red Cross, you will absorb 30% of the heme iron and 2% to 10% non-heme iron from what you consume. Also, iron will be absorbed completely when you take heme foods and non-heme iron sources (7).

2. Calcium-rich foods:

During pregnancy, your body’s calcium reserves can plummet (2). That is why it is important to consume foods that are rich in calcium. Some of the best sources of calcium are:

  • Milk
  • Dairy products
  • Seafood like salmon and sardines
  • Dried fruits
  • Soya
  • Dark green leafy vegetables

3. Feel-good foods:

Mourning the loss of a baby can plunge you into depression. It is not easy to make peace with the loss of dreams and hopes. The feeling of depression varies among women. Some women can bounce back pretty easily after a miscarriage while others can mourn for months and even years. No matter the category you fall in, you are a survivor. How you deal with your loss is nobody else’s business. But you can consume some comfort food to help deal with post-miscarriage depression.

You can consume foods rich in magnesium to recover from depression (3). Some of the foods you can try include:

  • Beans
  • Nuts
  • Plain chocolate

Magnesium not just helps you deal with depression but also helps your body’s energy production, cell repair as well as nerve and muscle functions

.

4. Fruits and vegetables:

Eat fruits and vegetables

Image: IStock

You also need to consume ample amounts of fruits and vegetables to get the nutrients your body needs after a pregnancy loss.

5. Folate rich foods:

In the case of a miscarriage, folate, a crucial type of vitamin B, is critical for tissue healing and the formation of new red blood cells. Some of the folate-rich foods that you can try include (4):

  • Spinach
  • Liver
  • Asparagus

Brussels sprouts

Foods To Avoid After Miscarriage

A healthy diet

doesn’t just mean consuming nourishing food. It also means saying no to food that is not good for your body! Read further to learn about what foods to avoid after a miscarriage:

1. Low-fiber starches:

Avoid low-fiber starches such as noodles

Image: Shutterstock

Carbohydrates provide your body with the fuel it needs and also controls your body’s sugar levels. But refined grains or low-fiber starches can have an adverse impact on your body. They can cause rapid fluctuations in your body’s sugar levels. That is why it is important to limit the amount of low fiber starch in your diet. Avoid foods like:

  • Instant rice
  • Egg
  • Noodles
  • Pretzels
protip_icon Quick fact
Low glycemic indexiRating system that ranks food on a scale of zero to hundred depending upon their carbohydrate content. foods, such as fruits and whole grains, can trigger insuliniA hormone that helps control the blood sugar level. release. In turn, insulin triggers the entry of tryptophaniAn essential amino acid used to make proteins into the brain, which promotes well-being (8).

2. Sweets:

Avoid sugary foods with a high glycemic index as they too can cause fluctuating blood sugar levels. Say no to foods like:

  • Candies
  • Sodas and carbonated drinks

3. Fatty milk and meats:

Avoid fatty meat after a miscarraige

Image: Shutterstock

After a miscarriage, it is important to avoid inflammation that can cause you pain and discomfort. The fats in meat and dairy products can cause inflammation. So avoid fatty meats and dairy products after a miscarriage:

  • Lamb
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Butter
  • Cheese
  • Whole milk
protip_icon Quick fact
Some foods that reduce inflammation are nuts, fatty fish, leafy vegetables, fruits, and olive oil (9).

4. Junk food:

You may crave junk food, and it is okay to eat some in moderation. But do not make junk food your main course after a miscarriage. Junk food will just fill you with empty calories and prevent you from consuming nutrient rich food that your body needs right now.

5. Soy products:

Soy is good for your health; there is no doubt about that. But it is also full of phytateiA salt of phytic acid present mostly in plant-based foods , which prevents your body from absorbing iron. So, limit the amount of soy you consume after a pregnancy loss.

Avoid sea foods after a miscarriage

Image: Shutterstock

Apart from these foods, you should also avoid food that are good breeding ground for bacteria, to avoid infection. Avoid foods like:

  • Soft cheeses
  • UnpasteurizediNot sterilized or treated with heat to kill pathogens dairy products
  • Raw meat
  • Seafood

6. Alcohol:

While some people prefer drinking alcohol after miscarriage as they think it can help them cope with the loss better, it is recommended to avoid binge drinking, especially if you are planning to conceive soon after your miscarriage. Alcohol consumption also interfere with fertility, making it more difficult to conceive in the future (5).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I maintain a healthy body after a miscarriage?

Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet, indulging in light exercise, staying hydrated, reducing undue stress, and ensuring quality sleep are some basic ways to help your body recover after miscarriage and stay healthy.

2. Should I continue taking prenatal vitamins after miscarriage?

You can continue taking your prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, after a miscarriage. However, consult your doctor to know more about the proper dosage per your health status.

3. Do I need iron supplements after miscarriage?

You should have a check-up with your doctor no later than six weeks after your miscarriage. It is during this visit that your doctor will check your hemoglobiniA protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood levels (Hb) and may recommend iron supplements if you have anemiaiA condition in which healthy red blood cells are lacking in the blood (6). Anemia after miscarriage usually happens due to heavy bleeding.

A miscarriage can be demanding on both the body and the mind, and while eating may be the last thing on your mind in this situation, your body requires it to recuperate. When planning to include recovery foods in your diet, ensure you include iron and calcium-rich foods, hydrating foods, some feel-good foods to combat depression, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and foods rich in antioxidants; these are the best foods to eat after miscarriage. At the same time, avoid low-fiber foods, sweets, junk foods, and others. unhealthy items. Also, remain hydrated and surround yourself with people who care for you to nourish your spirit.

Infographic: Nourishing The Body After Miscarriage

Miscarriage involves not only emotional but also physical stress. As a result, many women may undergo heavy bleeding, pain, fever, and chills. To manage these symptoms and recover faster, you need to pay attention to your diet. Eating nutritious food that replenishes the body of the lost nutrients helps you feel better soon. Read this infographic to learn about foods you may add and avoid in your diet after miscarriage.

foods to eat and avoid after miscarriage (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get dietitian tips on what to eat to help you recover after a miscarriage. The video advises the foods to include in your diet to maintain optimal health.

Key Pointers

  • A woman requires emotional and physical support after a miscarriage, along with adequate nutrition.
  • It is important to know which foods to eat and avoid post-miscarriage for recovery and prevention of future miscarriages.
  • Foods high in iron and calcium, such as beans, nuts, lentils, fruits, and vegetables, should be consumed.
  • Foods low in fiber starches, sweets, fatty milk, and raw meat must be avoided after a miscarriage.
Foods to Eat After Misscarriage_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Jana L Allison et al; Management of First Trimester Pregnancy Loss Can Be Safely Moved Into the Office.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3100102/
  2. L D Ritchie et al; A longitudinal study of calcium homeostasis during human pregnancy and lactation and after resumption of menses.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9537616/
  3. George A Eby and Karen L Eby; Rapid recovery from major depression using magnesium treatment.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16542786/
  4. Folate.
    https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
  5. How alcohol affects fertility.
    https://www.yourfertility.org.au/how-alcohol-affects-fertility#:~:text=Heavy%20drinking%20is%20particularly%20harmful,make%20it%20harder%20to%20conceive
  6. What happens after miscarriage; Pregnancy Birth and Baby
    https://privatemedical.org/preparing-your-body-for-pregnancy-and-recovering-from-miscarriage/
  7. Iron Rich Foods.
    https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after/iron-blood-donation/iron-rich-foods.html#:~:text=Iron%2DRich%20Foods&text=Heme%20iron%20is%20found%20in,than%20eating%20non%2Dheme%20iron
  8. T. S. Sathyanarayana Rao et al.; (2008); Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738337/
  9. Foods that fight inflammation.
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
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Dr. Neha Singh
Dr. Neha SinghMS OB/GYN
Dr Neha Singh has over eight years of experience as a gynaecologist and more than four years experience as an IVF specialist and endoscopic surgeon. She won an award for her paper on ‘Maternal & Child Health' in UPCOG 2016.

Read full bio of Dr. Neha Singh
Ria Saha
Ria SahaB.Tech
Ria is a techie-turned-writer and writes articles on health, with special emphasis on nutrition. She did her B.Tech from West Bengal University of Technology and was previously associated with IBM as SAP ABAP technical consultant.

Read full bio of Ria Saha
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Lorraine Teron
Lorraine TeronMSc
Lorraine is a postgraduate in Life Science from Mount Carmel College and previously worked as a freelance scientific illustrator. As a project associate and lab technician at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Lorraine received valuable insights into Covid-19, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, and neuro-degenerative diseases.

Read full bio of Lorraine Teron