Dealing with a Pregnancy Miscarriage

If you’re pregnant and reading this article for basic information, there’s no reason to become alarmed – only about ten percent of women actually suffer a pregnancy miscarriage. However, dealing with a pregnancy miscarriage can be taxing both emotionally and physically, and may require the assistance of a qualified therapist.

Many women and nearly all men have no idea what a woman’s body goes through during a pregnancy miscarriage. Even in early pregnancy, it’s just as traumatic for your body as giving birth. You’ll likely be weak and suffer a loss in appetite. You may also experience a lot of cramping for one to two weeks, as well as extremely heavy bleeding.

If the bleeding persists, you may also need to deal with anemia as a result of your pregnancy miscarriage. This is a condition that occurs when there’s too little iron in the body, which typically occurs as a result of severe blood loss. Anemia may or may not go away as your body recovers from the pregnancy miscarriage. It is, however, very easily treatable with an iron supplement.

One other complication that may arise from a pregnancy miscarriage is the necessity of a DNC. This is the same procedure used in abortion, but is sometimes required in the case of pregnancy miscarriages. If you’re in your fourth month or later, your baby has already developed to a point where you body likely won’t be able to purge the unviable fetus. If this occurs and dead tissues remain in the body, you’ll be at risk for severe infection. A DNC is an operation that forces the removal of these tissues to ensure your physical wellbeing.

Of course, most people think more about the emotional trauma of a pregnancy miscarriage. This isn’t limited to the mother only, but can affect the father and grandparents, siblings and other family members of the lost child. Although it won’t be easy, there are several things you can do to help ease your suffering.

Some people claim that the best way to deal with pregnancy miscarriage is by having another baby right away to replace the one that is lost. This is actually not recommended by most doctors, as there’s a significant risk for increased depression if the subsequent pregnancy attempt fails. Additionally, the mother may begin to convince herself that she never lost a baby at all, repressing the emotions that she needs to address.

The best way to cope with a pregnancy miscarriage is to simply take some time out for yourself. Listen to your body and your whims. If you need to stay in your room alone for a few days, do so. Spend as much time with your spouse and family as possible and let them support you. Remember, you aren’t alone in your grief and they need you as much as you need them.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to seek out a therapist or a support group for women who have experienced a pregnancy miscarriage. This will help you cope with the miscarriage and prepare for your next pregnancy, if possible. If future pregnancy isn’t possible, talk to your doctor about alternatives when you’re ready. There are many available, including adoption.

Above all, remember that you aren’t alone and that your health is just as important. You need to remember the lost child, yes. But you also need to get on with your life, take care of yourself physically and emotionally and take care of your family. In time, you may be able to have another child that you’ll be able to raise and adore.