Dealing with Miscarriage: Emotional Support and Medical Advice

Miscarriage (early pregnancy loss) is a heartbreaking and often traumatic experience. It can affect the  woman, her partner, family, and friends. It is important to seek emotional support and medical advice after a miscarriage.  

What is miscarriage?

Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. It can occur for various reasons, such as  chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal problems, infections, uterine abnormalities, or maternal health  conditions. Sometimes, the cause is unknown.  

Types of miscarriage

There are different types of miscarriage, depending on the stage and symptoms of the loss. Some of the  common types are: 

• Threatened miscarriage: There is bleeding or cramping in the first trimester, but the cervix is  closed, and the pregnancy is viable.  
• Inevitable miscarriage: There is bleeding or cramping in the first trimester, the cervix is open, and  the pregnancy is not viable.  
• Complete miscarriage: The pregnancy tissue has been expelled from the uterus completely.
• Incomplete miscarriage: Some of the pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after a miscarriage. 
• Missed miscarriage: The embryo or fetus has stopped developing, but the body has not recognized  the loss.  
• Recurrent miscarriage: A woman has had two or more consecutive miscarriages. (Source: Fertility Support)  

Emotional support after miscarriage

The emotional impact of miscarriage can be devastating. It can cause a range of feelings, such as grief,  sadness, anger, guilt, shock, loneliness, or anxiety. It can also affect the relationship with the partner,  family, or friends. (Source: ForWhen) Everyone copes differently, and there is no right or wrong way to  grieve. Some of the ways to seek emotional support are:  

• Express your emotions: It is normal and healthy to acknowledge and release your feelings,  whether it is by crying, talking, writing, or doing something creative.  
• Seek professional help: A therapist or counselor can help you process your grief and cope with  your loss. They can also provide you with strategies to manage your stress, anxiety, or depression  if you have any.  
• Reach out to your loved ones: Your partner, family, and friends can provide comfort and support.  They may not know what to say or do, so you may need to tell them what you require and how  they can help.  
• Take care of yourself: Your physical and mental health are connected, so taking care of your body  and mind is important. You may want to eat well, get enough rest, exercise moderately, avoid  alcohol and drugs, and do things that make you happy and relaxed. 

Medical advice after miscarriage

The physical aftermath of a miscarriage can vary depending on the type and timing of the loss. Some of  the medical advice are: 

• Follow up with your doctor: Your doctor will need to check your physical recovery and monitor  your hCG levels, which are the pregnancy hormones that should drop after a miscarriage. (Source:  Parents.com) Your doctor will also advise you on when you can resume your normal activities and  discuss your options for future pregnancy.  
• Manage your bleeding and pain: You may experience bleeding and cramping for a few days or  weeks. You can use pads, not tampons, to absorb the blood and take painkillers, such as ibuprofen  or paracetamol, to ease the discomfort. You should also contact your doctor if you have heavy  bleeding, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or severe pain.  
• Prevent infection: To reduce the risk of infection, you should avoid swimming, bathing, or  douching for at least two weeks. You should also avoid inserting anything into your vagina and  practice safe sex and use contraception until your doctor tells you it is safe to conceive again. 

Miscarriage is a painful and challenging experience, but you are not alone. You can find emotional support  and medical advice to help you heal and move forward. Remember that there is hope and that you can  have a healthy pregnancy in the future.  

Source:  

Fertility Support - Types of Miscarriage | Fertility Support SG | Singapore 

ForWhen - Pregnancy Loss: Processing the Pain of Miscarriage (forwhenhelpline.org.au)

Parents.com - HCG Levels and Miscarriage: What's the Connection? (parents.com)