Miscarriage is a heartbreaking reality that affects so many women and is the spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 20th week. It is estimated that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. In fact, miscarriage is the most common form of pregnancy loss. Nevertheless, losing a child is a devastating reality that can be accompanied by immense psychological impacts. Coping with miscarriage is a journey in itself, but we assure you you are not alone.
Coping After A Miscarriage
There is no doubt that pregnancy loss is a deeply personal experience. Each individual and couple should recognize their needs and limitations to help work through the grief process and begin to heal. Here at Carolina’s Infertility Institute, we have put together a list of five tips for those coping with miscarriage
1. Allow Yourself To Grieve
The emotional devastation that accompanies a miscarriage is vast, which means you must allow yourself time to grieve. If you’ve had a miscarriage, it’s important that you express all of your feelings. It’s totally normal to feel sad, angry, and frustrated—and it’s also normal to want other people to understand how much this loss hurts. The grieving process often involves three steps
- Shock and denial
- Anger, guilt, and depression
- Acceptance
Taking the time you need to go through the grieving process is essential to reach the stage of acceptance when coping with miscarriage.
2. Consider Your Emotional Needs
Coping with miscarriage is sure to come with a wide range of emotions. This makes it important to consider your emotional needs during this time. It’s normal to feel angry and sad about the loss of your baby, even though you never got to meet them. It’s common for people to feel angry at the world over other pregnancies that make it to term or even at themselves. Grieving can bring symptoms of emotional distress, such as trouble sleeping, fatigue, loss of appetite, crying spells, and more. Considering your emotional needs during this time can help you respect your own needs and limitations.
3. Don’t Blame Yourself
When coping with miscarriage, it can be incredibly difficult to resist self-blame. You may find yourself asking questions, wondering what you could have done to prevent this— did I eat too much? Too little? Did I exercise too hard? Not drink enough water? However, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, at least half of all miscarriages are the result of an abnormal number of chromosomes in the embryo. Although easier said than done, when coping with miscarriage, try not to turn to yourself with any blame.
4. Get Support Or Professional Help
If coping with miscarriage feels like an impossible task on your own, it may be time to reach out for support or professional help. At Carolinas Fertility Institute, we join each patient on their fertility journey. Often, sharing with someone that’s been through this process can be powerful medicine. We are fortunate to have a group of CFI Moms and Supporters that have created a network of experience, strength, and hope. Another option is to see a therapist who specializes in reproductive and maternal mental health. We assure you, you do not need to go through this alone.
5. Give Yourself Time
They say time heals all wounds, and although you may always feel the pain of this pregnancy loss, time will enable you to process the loss of your baby. It is also important not to jump right back into trying to conceive, even if your body is physically ready. Allow yourself to take it one day at a time, and allow time for you to grieve and honor your baby’s life.
If you have experienced pregnancy loss, know that you are not alone. Many women experience the intense pain of miscarriage and can suffer from the many long-term consequences associated with it. Carolinas Fertility Institute is a practice that specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility. CFI provides advanced reproductive technologies in a comforting, supportive environment to give patients the personal care they deserve. If you have more questions about coping with miscarriage, call us at (336) 448-9100 to make an appointment in the Triad or (844) 686-2233 for our Charlotte office.