Miscarriages are very common, with about 10% to 20% of all known pregnancies ending in miscarriage. Although miscarriages are common, many people do not talk openly about their miscarriage experience, which leads to difficulty in fully understanding the physical and emotional toll of a miscarriage. If you have experienced a miscarriage, it’s important to allow yourself the time you may need to heal, both physically and emotionally.
Physically Recovering from a Miscarriage
It may take several weeks or more for your body to fully recover after a miscarriage. Cramping and bleeding, similar to a period, is expected and should gradually become lighter and stop within two to three weeks.
It takes a one to two months for the hormonal changes of pregnancy to subside after going through a miscarriage. Most women will get a regular period again by about six weeks.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms after a miscarriage, you should call your OB-Gyn provider:
- Worsening cramping or pelvic pain
- Fever
- Heavy bleeding
- Foul-smelling
Emotionally Recovering from a Miscarriage
Every person copes with miscarriage in their own way, but it is common to experience anger or sadness along with:
- Shock
- Guilt
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
Although these symptoms are common, if you feel like these symptoms are affecting your daily life, you should call our office to evaluate. Other feelings and experiences you may have while coping with miscarriage include:
- Blaming yourself — Many women ask themselves what they could have done differently to prevent a miscarriage. It’s important to remember a miscarriage is not your fault. Most miscarriages are caused by a genetic abnormality that keeps the fetus from developing normally. Everyday activities, such as exercising, working, and having sex, generally don’t cause miscarriages.
- Irritability and easily triggered — You may find it difficult to be around babies or to hear pregnancy announcements. Simply hearing the name you planned for your child can be emotionally triggering as well. It’s important to give yourself the time and space you need if you are finding certain situations challenging.
- You may grieve differently than your partner - Lack of communication is a common issue among couples who have suffered a miscarriage. Communicating with your partner and asking them to be open and honest about their feelings can be extremely helpful.
Miscarriage grief is often dismissed by society; women and their partners are often expected to simply move on with their lives. Thankfully, there has been a shift in this sentiment in recent years. More women are sharing their miscarriage stories, raising awareness about the fact that grief after a miscarriage is normal, and a woman who has suffered from a miscarriage needs care and support.
The following are ways you can begin your coping journey after you’ve experienced a miscarriage.
- Understand and recognize your feelings are normal — A miscarriage can be a very heavy and difficult experience. It’s important to remember your feelings are completely normal, even if you were pregnant only for a short time.
- Allow yourself to grieve your loss — Suppressing your feelings instead of working through them will only prolong the grieving process. Giving yourself time you need to grieve your loss can help you cope.
- Memorialize your loss — Some people find comfort in memorializing their loss. Depending on how far along you were in your pregnancy, a burial may be possible. Lighting a candle, creating a scrapbook, planting a tree, or hosting a small gathering with loved ones are all ways to memorialize your loss.
- Share your experience — Simply talking about your experience with a supportive person can significantly help relieve some of the emotional pain you may be experiencing.
When to Seek Help While Coping with Miscarriage
If your miscarriage grief has made it difficult for you to function, a therapist can help guide and support you through this traumatic experience. Joining a virtual or in-person support group can also connect you with individuals who have gone through a similar experience.
If you are experiencing mental health concerns or are having difficulty processing your loss, you should not hesitate to call your OB-GYN provider as soon as possible.
A miscarriage can be an emotional experience, and you are not overreacting if you're emotionally struggling. It's important to be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to feel and process this experience so you can cope and adequately heal from your loss.
Premier OB-Gyn is accepting new patients in both our Maitland, FL and Oviedo, FL locations. We would be happy to see you! Please call 321-397-1212 or visit www.premierob-gyn.com to book your appointment!
Source: Moreland OB-Gyn www.morelandobgyn.org
Author
R Ellen Eye, MD, FACOG
Rita Ellen Eye, MD is a board-certified OB/GYN physician who joined Premier OB-Gyn in 2014.
Dr. Eye is originally from Potosi, Missouri, a small town near St. Louis (and she remains a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals!). She graduated from her high school as Valedictorian. She attended Missouri University of Science and Technology, earning her Biological Sciences degree while graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2006. Dr. Eye went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and was honored by being elected Chief Resident at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. She began her successful private practice in Texas where she lived and worked for four years before moving to Florida. She is married to husband Chet and a proud mom to a sweet daughter named Faith. Dr. Eye is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
