Secondary infertility
RD Having problems conceiving a second baby?
Secondary infertility is when a woman has had a child but is finding it difficult to get pregnant again. This often comes as a shock to couples who have already started a family, as they expect that having one child means they have no ongoing fertility problems.
Why can’t I get pregnant if I have had a child before?
One of the reasons is that your fertility drops as you get older: if you’ve waited until your mid-30s to have your first child, by the time you get around to trying for another, your fertility level will have decreased.
The mum’s age does tend to be of particular relevance.It may also be that you have an existing condition such as polycystic ovaries (PCOS), or problems may have been caused by a difficult pregnancy or delivery.
The tiredness and stress of being a parent can also take its toll.
If you’re having trouble conceiving second time round, seek help from your GP as soon as you can, especially if you are over 35 – many problems are easily treated.
The good news is that couples with secondary infertility are more likely to achieve a second pregnancy than those who have problems first time round, even with fertility treatment.
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