Chapter 11: Miscarriages

1. Segulos for Preventing miscarriage:

See Chapter 2 Halacha 2!

Trust in G-d:[1] Having faith and trust in G-d that one will merit to have a child is a Segula for getting pregnant and having children. Trusting only in a man of flesh and blood, including even a Tzaddik, can G-d forbid lead to a miscarriage of the fetus with which the Tzaddik blessed the couple.[2]

Taharas Hamishpacha:[3] Being careful to guard all the detailed laws of Taharas Hamishpacha is a Segula for getting pregnant and having children. If the husband or wife expresses strong regret about the keeping of the laws of family purity after she already became pregnant, this can G-d forbid cause a miscarriage. Accordingly, one is not to express regret of this matter.[4]

Not to express regret of the pregnancy:[5] If the husband or wife expresses strong regret about the pregnancy after she already became pregnant, this can G-d forbid cause a miscarriage. Accordingly, one is not to express regret of the pregnancy.

Not publicizing the pregnancy:[6] A woman who has a history of miscarriage should be especially careful not to publicize her pregnancy until the fifth month with exception to close relatives.

Avoid heavy items and overexertion:[7] Certainly, a woman who has a history of miscarriages should avoid lifting heavy items, and overexerting herself with extra strenuous activity.

Placing the bed from North to South:[8] In addition to the Halachic obligation[9], placing the bed from North to South [is a Segula] for having healthy pregnancies without miscarriage.

Lifting heavy items:[10] A woman who has a history of miscarriages should avoid lifting heavy items.

Running:[11] A woman who has a history of miscarriages should avoid overexerting herself with extra strenuous activity.

Day 90 of pregnancy:[12] It is forbidden to have intercourse on day 90 of pregnancy, due to danger to the fetus as it can cause miscarriage.[13] Nonetheless, in today’s times, one is not required to be stringent in this matter, and Shomer Pesaim Hashem.[14]

 

2. Desecrating Shabbos:[15]

See Chapter 4!

One may desecrate Shabbos on behalf of treating or preventing a miscarriage.[16] This applies even if she is less than 40 days pregnant and even if there is no danger to her but there is possibility of saving the pregnancy.

After the miscarriage:[17] If a woman had a miscarriage she has the same status as a Yoledes in the laws relating to desecrating Shabbos on her behalf, so long as the fetus was 40 days into the pregnancy.

 

3. Fasting:

See Chapter 7 Halacha 10F, 12, Chapter 10 Halacha 3!

A woman after a miscarriage has the same status as a woman who gave birth regarding fasting on a fast day.[18] Nevertheless, this only applies if she was pregnant for at least 40 days.[19]

4. Nida:

Nida & Mikveh Purification after Miscarriage: See Chapter 8 Halacha 3!

Vestos: A woman who miscarried after 40 days follows the same law as a woman who gave birth regarding suspecting for previous Vestos, as explained in Chapter 8 Halacha 4C.

 

Comfort after a miscarriage: The Rebbe once wrote to a couple who suffered a miscarriage that many great Torah giants were born after a miscarriage, and they should therefore not be discouraged.[20] A portion in the world to come and in the future resurrection:[21] Even a fetus which was not carried to term has a portion in the world to come, as the fetus received a soul the moment of conception, and this soul will merit resurrection in the future world. In fact, they will be resurrected as complete Tzaddikim, as these souls never had the opportunity to sin. Accordingly, even if a fetus is not carried to term, it plays an important role in hastening the coming redemption which is dependent on the descent of all the souls that are found in the storage room of souls in heaven.

_________________________________________ [1] Igros Kodesh 11:278; 13:185, 14:107, brought in Shulchan Menachem 5:21 [2] Igros Kodesh 29:30 [3] Likkutei Sichos 11:126; 12:178; 22:299; Igros Kodesh 11:278; 14:383; 27:427; 28:133; 29:30 [4] Igros Kodesh 29:30 [5] Igros Kodesh 29:30 [6] Igros Kodesh 11:278 [7] Igros Kodesh 11:278 [8] Brachos 5a [stated by Rav Nachman the son of Yitzchak]; This is learned from a juxtaposition with the verse: “And her days were complete to give birth and she had twins in her stomach” [9] See Admur Kama 3:9-10. Michaber 3:6; Siddur Yaavetz Mosach Hashabbos Mitos Kesef 4:2 Part 2; Taharas Yisrael 240:89; Sheyikadesh Atzmo [Nachmanson-2015] p. 328-334 [10] Igros Kodesh 11:278; 5:327; Shevach Habris 1:26 [11] Igros Kodesh 11:278; 5:327; Shevach Habris 1:26 [12] M”A 240:5; See Nitei Gavriel 103:2; Piskeiy Teshuvos 240:8; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 13:5; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 127:8 [13] M”A 240:5; Niddah 31a; Menoras Hama’or Ner Gimel Klal Vav 5:1; Zohar Shemos 3; Peri Eitz Chaim 16:11; Oar Tzadikim 27:1; Kaf Hachaim 240:22 The reason: One who has relations on this night is considered a murderer, as doing so can kill the child. [M”A ibid in name of Zohar ibid] [14] M”A 240:5; Abayey in Niddah ibid The reason: As it is not possible to know definitively which day is the 90^th day of pregnancy. [Niddah ibid] As not always does she become pregnant right after Mikveh. [Aruch Laneir Niddah ibid; Noda Beyehuda; Mishneh Halachos 11:193] [15] Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:4 and 6 and 9 [new]; Toras Hayoledes 38 [16] As during a miscarriage she is considered like a dangerously ill person. [17] Ashel Avraham Opnehiem 330; Mateh Asher 9; Kaf Hachaim 330:2; Biur Halacha 617:4; Sdei Chemed; Piskeiy Teshuvos 330:4; Nitei Gavriel 61:13 [18] Biur Halacha 617 “Yoledes” in name of Sdei Chemed Mareches Yom Kippur 3:1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 617:5 [19] Sdei Chemed ibid [20] Igros Kodesh 29:30 [21] See Sanhedrin 110b; Rashi ibid; Pischeiy Megadim 38; Nitei Gavriel 112:19 footnote 22