Miscarriage and Infertility: Does a Miscarriage Reset the 12-Month Clock?
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If you've been trying to conceive for months, finally become pregnant and then experience a miscarriage, do you have to start the 12-month wait for fertility investigations all over again?
No. Updated NICE fertility guidance has now made this clear.
Does miscarriage reset the infertility clock?
NICE generally recommends fertility assessment after 12 months of regular unprotected sex without an ongoing pregnancy for people under 36, with earlier assessment appropriate in some circumstances.
Importantly, the updated 2026 NICE guidance states that if you experience a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy during this period, the clock should continue — not restart from zero.
For example, if you had been trying for 10 months before becoming pregnant and then miscarried, you shouldn't be expected to wait another full 12 months before fertility investigation.
NICE noted that some people had previously been required to restart their eligibility period following a pregnancy loss and concluded that this was unjustified.
Can miscarriage and infertility happen together?
Yes. Becoming pregnant doesn't necessarily mean you can't experience fertility problems.
Someone may take a long time to conceive, experience a miscarriage and then continue to have difficulty becoming pregnant. Your whole trying-to-conceive history matters, not simply whether you've ever had a positive pregnancy test.
Recurrent miscarriage also has its own investigation and referral pathways, so you may qualify for assessment separately depending on your pregnancy history.
What about unexplained infertility?
The same principle applies during the longer period of trying recommended for unexplained infertility.
If you experience a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy during this time, NICE says the timeframe should continue rather than restarting.
A pregnancy loss doesn't erase the time you've already spent trying to conceive.
When should you speak to your GP?
If you've been trying to conceive for around 12 months, speak to your GP about fertility assessment. You may need assessment sooner if you're 36 or older, have irregular periods, have a known condition that could affect fertility, have had an ectopic pregnancy, or there are concerns about male fertility.
And if you've experienced a miscarriage during that time, make sure your doctor knows how long you were trying before becoming pregnant.
Supporting your preconception journey
If you're preparing to try again after pregnancy loss, Ovare's CORE3 is a doctor-created, one-capsule-a-day preconception supplement combining three key nutrients in one formula: 450 mg CoQ10, 4,000 IU vitamin D3 and 1,000 µg methylfolate.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. If you've experienced pregnancy loss or are concerned about your fertility, speak to your healthcare professional.