What to Eat and What to Avoid After Miscarriage: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing

Miscarriage is a very disheartening thing, not only for the mother but for the whole family who was waiting for the little one to come. Agreed! that most affected with this situation is the mother. One cannot imagine the mental and physical state of the mother who recently lost her baby. But as it is said that “Life goes on”, one needs to come out of this devastating experience. Healing from miscarriage involves a lot of rest, emotional support and a healthy diet. Yes, the mother needs to take care of What to Eat and What to Avoid after Miscarriage.

Miscarriage or Abortion is the process where your pregnancy cycle ends. This procedure leads to cramps and fatigues in the body. Having a proper healthy diet is very necessary to recover from within. We have brought to you a list of food items of what to eat and what not to eat after one has suffered from Miscarriage.

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Top Causes of Miscarriage

Medical Complications-

Many times some complications arise in pregnancy such as issues in uterus called as fibroids etc. and this leads to increase the chance of miscarriage in 2^nd or 3^rd trimester.         

Lifestyle-

If you are smoking or drinking during pregnancy, then the chances of miscarriage increases. Also, you should avoid eating fruits like papaya and pineapple when you are pregnant.

What is the best food after a miscarriage?

Your recovery rate starts with eating healthy. Following are the food which you can eat after miscarriage.

1. Iron-rich food-

You might remember eating iron-rich food and consuming iron supplements during pregnancy. Well, after miscarriage many women feel tired and anaemic, therefore iron is very important for your body. After a miscarriage, bleeding starts, which also causes iron deficiency.

Some of the Iron-rich foods are-

• Red meats
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Green Leafy Vegetable
• Nuts
• Lentils
• Sprouts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sesame seeds

2. Calcium enriched food-

During Pregnancy, your body needs a good amount of calcium. As calcium is needed for the development of the fetus’s healthy heart, nerves, muscles, bones and teeth. During a miscarriage, all that calcium gets eliminated from your body, making a deficiency of calcium. Therefore, it is very much required for you to consume calcium enriched food.

Foods rich in calcium are-

• Dairy products
• Fish
• Salmon
• Dry fruits such as- figs, dates and nuts

3. Fruits and Vegetables-

Well, I don’t think that one would need an explanation for why to eat fruits and vegetables. The nutrients like vitamins, iron, calcium, fibre and proteins all can be taken by consuming fruits and vegetables.

4. Feel Good Foods-

Miscarriage being a very sad event can lead the mother into depression. It is very difficult to be at peace with the loss of dreams and hopes. So, try to munch on foods that make you feel better, as coming out of miscarriage depression can take months or even years. So, comfort yourself with some Feel Good Foods like-

• Nuts
• Seeds
• Whole Grains like Brown rice
• Dark chocolates
• Avocado
• Legumes
  Chickpeas

Basically, food rich in Magnesium, helps to fight with depression.

5. Protein-rich food-

Protein is the building block of cells. Our body requires proteins to heal and for our cell to repair. Therefore, consume foods like-

• Eggs
• Lean Meats
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Poultry
• Lentils
• Seafood

6. Vitamin C-rich food-

Vitamin C foods are rich in antioxidants and increases our immunity. According to research, women who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C lowers their risk of miscarriage by 50% in future pregnancies. Some of the vitamin C enriched food are-

• Grapefruits
• Oranges
• Strawberries

What should I avoid after a miscarriage?

1. Junk and Fast foods-

Junk and fast foods are never good for the body. They contain trans-fat which cause inflammation in the body. This inflammation results in obesity and heart disease. Also, eating excessive junk food like kachoris, pani puris, samosa, chips, french fries, doughnuts, pizzas, burgers and processed food can increase the chance of miscarriage.

2. Sweets-

I know sweets help to cure depression in many ways. But excessive eating of sweets is harmful and sweets do not provide any nutrition, they are just the sugar-laden sweets. Instead, try eating sweets made of dates or anjeer.

3. Soy Products-

Soy is good for your health, but excessive eating of soy products is not. As soy is full of phytate, which prevents the absorption of iron in your body eating much of soy products is not recommended.

Therefore, try to avoid foods like-

• Soft cheese
• Raw meat
• Seafood
• Unpasteurized dairy products

4. Fatty milk and meats-

After miscarriage, it is very important to avoid food which causes inflammation, as it can cause discomfort and pain. The fats in the meat and dairy products should be avoided.

Try to avoid food like-

• Lamb
• Beef
• Whole Milk
• Cheese
• Butter
• Pork

5. Food with high carbs and low fiber-

Fibers are needed for the proper digestion of food. If you consume food which are high on carbs and low in fibers, they will harm your body. Therefore, it is better to avoid processed foods like instant noodles, Indian snacks like cutlet, biscuits and Indian bread like naan.

What to Avoid After a Miscarriage

1. Caffeinated Beverages
   Excessive caffeine can disrupt your hormonal balance and hinder recovery. Limit coffee, tea, and energy drinks, or opt for decaffeinated versions.

2. Sugary and Processed Foods
   Foods high in sugar or processed ingredients can cause inflammation and fatigue. Avoid sugary snacks, sodas, fast food, and packaged meals.

3. Alcohol
   Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and delay recovery. It’s best to completely avoid it during this time.

4. Spicy and Fried Foods
   Spicy and greasy foods can irritate your stomach and lead to discomfort. Stick to lighter, easier-to-digest meals.

5. Raw and Undercooked Foods
   To prevent infections, avoid raw or undercooked foods like sushi, rare meats, or unpasteurized dairy.

6. High-Sodium Foods
   Salty foods like chips, canned soups, and processed meats can cause water retention and bloating. Opt for fresh, home-cooked meals instead.

Having a miscarriage is very hard on your body and mind. Do not keep your feelings inside you, it will engulf you. Instead, share it, mourn it with people who understand you. You have full right to be upset, to cry and also to lose it sometimes. But never ever compromise on your eating, at last food is the only thing that will help you heal and also prevent any future miscarriages.

How do you think women having miscarriage should deal with this phase?