If you’re struggling to cope with the impact of miscarriage, know that you’re not alone. Miscarriage is a heartbreaking experience. It can have a lasting impact on those who go through it. The physical and emotional pain of losing a pregnancy can be overwhelming. And it can be challenging to cope with the sense of loss and grief.
The sense of loss can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of grief, anger, guilt and blame. The impact on relationships can also be profound. Couples often find themselves disconnected, and communication breakdowns are common. These are all normal reactions to what is, after all, a bereavement.
There’s no right or wrong way to cope, but understanding it better might help.
Table of Contents
Miscarriage Is More Common Than You Think
Miscarriage is more common than you think. About 1 in 4 pregnancies end in a miscarriage. This is according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This number is significant for both women who know they’re pregnant and those who don’t.
And yet, despite its prevalence, miscarriage is often shrouded in secrecy and grief. Women who miscarry often feel like they’ve failed somehow, and they grieve in silence. Miscarriage is a tragedy, but it’s not a dirty secret.
While it’s often an isolating experience, miscarriage has a deep effect on those who go through it. It can be a physical and emotional rollercoaster. One filled with grief, self-doubt, and guilt.
But despite the challenges, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Millions of women have been through miscarriages, and each has its own story.
Read more to find out about the common causes of miscarriages
Causes of Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the loss of a baby before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Natural things or things that are not natural might cause it. There are many different potential causes of miscarriage, including:
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Chromosomal Abnormalities
- Infections
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Physical Trauma
- Substance abuse
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Maternal Age
- Maternal Weight
- Previous Miscarriages
- Problems with Cervix, Uterus, or Fallopian Tubes
Some health conditions can also increase your risk for miscarriage:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
Exposure to certain chemicals (such as lead) or radiation during pregnancy
Many things can cause miscarriages. And understanding the possible causes help couples who have had a miscarriage. It will help them feel more hopeful about future pregnancies.
Symptoms of Miscarriage
One of the most common questions we get asked is how you know if you’re miscarrying. Some signs can point to a miscarriage. It’s important to remember that not all women experience them.
-
Cramping
The cramps are usually familiar to women who have had a period before. They can feel like strong menstrual cramps or like low back pain.
You might also experience them in your lower abdomen, groin, or pelvis. Cramping often starts right after you find out you’re pregnant. And gets worse as the miscarriage progresses.
Bear in mind that not all pregnancies implant is in the uterus. And some amount of cramping at the early stages of pregnancy is not uncommon.
-
Vaginal Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding. And cramping or discomfort in the pelvic region accompanies it.
Bleeding is often the first sign that something is wrong. And it can occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant. In some cases, the bleeding may be so heavy that it leads to shock or death.
If you are pregnant and experience vaginal bleeding, seek medical attention immediately. While bleeding does not always mean that a miscarriage has occurred. It is a significant sign. And it would be best if you don’t ignore that.
-
Passing of Tissue
It can appear as small clots or pieces of tissue and sometimes with heavier bleeding. If you experience either of these signs, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They will likely want to perform an ultrasound. It’s to confirm whether you are miscarrying, or not.
-
Decrease in Fetal Movement
It can be hard to detect in early pregnancy. But as the pregnancy progresses, most women become aware of how their baby moves. If there is a sudden decrease in the amount of movement, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
In some cases, the only sign of miscarrying may be a sudden stop in pregnancy symptoms. If you stopped experiencing pregnancy symptoms contact your healthcare provider. This is to rule out miscarriage and to give you peace of mind.
It is hard to hear that you are miscarrying, but it is not your fault. Up to 20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, so you are not alone in this experience.
READ MORE:
Stillbirth, Miscarriages, GDM, Preeclampsia – theAsianparent Professional Guide
New Study Finds Miscarriage And Stillbirth May Be Linked To Father’s Health
What Are the Impacts of Miscarriage
When most people think of miscarriage, they think of it as a sad and private event. But, miscarrying can have significant impacts on a woman’s physical and mental health. The impact of miscarriage also affects her relationships.
Physical Impact of Miscarriage
What is the impact of miscarriage on your body? It’s common for women to experience a wide range of physical symptoms. These can include:
- Cramping
- Passing clots
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Breast discomfort
- Heavy bleeding
The bleeding can last up to two weeks, and you may need to use sanitary pads or tampons. Also, you may have cramping and pain in your lower abdomen. Your uterus contractions cause pain as it expels the pregnancy tissue. Some women compare it to menstrual cramps or labour pains.
Psychological Impact of Miscarriage
A miscarriage can have a significant psychological impact. And it is vital to be aware of how it may affect your mental health. While the physical effects will fade, the emotional ones may linger for much longer.
-
Grief
-
Anxiety
-
Depression
-
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
-
Guilt
-
Anger
Image source: iStock
How to Cope With the Impact of Miscarriage
A miscarriage can be a challenging experience to deal with. And that’s both emotionally and physically. It’s important to give yourself time to grieve and heal mentally and physically. Here are some tips that may help you cope with a miscarriage:
- Talk to your partner or close friends about how you’re feeling. It can be helpful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. This person can help you feel better and give you advice on coping.
- Seek professional help if you feel you need it. Because Many women find counselling helpful during this difficult time.
- Give yourself time to grieve. Don’t try to bottle up your feelings or pretend everything is okay when it’s not. Allow yourself to mourn the loss of your baby in whatever way feels right for you.
- Focus on taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, and exercising can help you physically. While journaling, talking to friends or attending a support group helps you emotionally.
And some people care about you and want to help you through this tough time.
Treatments and Testing
Often, the exact cause of a miscarriage is unknown. But if you’ve had many miscarriages, your doctor may recommend testing. It’s to check for some more common causes. Treatment for a recurrent miscarriage will depend on the underlying cause. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but common treatments include:
- Hormone therapy
- Surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities
- Antibiotics to treat infections
- Immunotherapy to treat autoimmune diseases
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.