Coping With Early Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage)

Early Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage)

Miscarriage or early pregnancy loss technically means the expulsion of fetus from the uterus before 20 weeks gestation. Miscarriage is common to the rate that 15 to 20 percent of known or diagnosed pregnancies miscarry, most before 12 weeks of gestation. Miscarriages due to fibroids could even be recurrent for which treatment from the best doctor for fibroid surgery in Chennai can help in achieving a successful pregnancy.

Such knowledge may not be a comforting surprise for a woman who has miscarried as she experiences a roller coaster of changes, physically and emotionally. In the weeks after a miscarriage, the body goes through hormonal shifts in order to readjust to not being pregnant. Hormonal changes may intensify the emotions, making it difficult to cope with the pregnancy loss.

Coping with physical aspects of early pregnancy loss

Women get easily hyper-focused on emotions and forget about physical recovery. The extent of physical repair depends on how far along the gestation the pregnancy loss. This can vary greatly because miscarriage can occur any time before 20 weeks of gestation. An early miscarriage soon after conception is often indicated by starting menstruation again along with low back pain or abdominal cramps. These symptoms can last for just a few days like a menstrual period or last up to three or four weeks depending on the gestational period.

Get medical attention – A miscarriage will require medical treatment during and after this period of vaginal bleeding. A complete miscarriage means that all the fetal tissue has been already cleared out of the uterus. But when the miscarriage is incomplete, which mostly happens during the later days of the first trimester, it means that parts of the pregnancy have remained in the uterus and need to be removed. Even when miscarriage progresses naturally and is relatively pain-free, it is better to go in for medical evaluation and examination for a few weeks or months to make sure any complications don’t develop.

Oral or vaginal medications are usually advised to help the body pass any remaining tissues, making the passage less painful and complete. A follow-up ultrasound would be conducted to ensure that all tissues have passed so as to prevent any complications. Another option for a procedure called dilatation and curettage (D&C) may be advised where fetal and placental tissue from the uterus will be carefully and completely removed by the Chennai gynecologist after which bleeding may last for only a few days. Evaluating the cause of miscarriage is made easier through an examination of the fetal tissue when a D&C is performed.

Measures to cope with common physical effects of a miscarriage include:

• Use only menstrual pads and don’t use tampons or cups until the next period
• Sex should be avoided at least for two weeks 
• Don’t douche the vaginal area
• Don’t go swimming
• Don’t use spas or hot tubs, instead take a shower
• For sore breasts, use a well-supporting bra and take cold packs to relieve pain and swelling.

Rest and exercise – The body undergoes a lot of physical changes immediately after a pregnancy loss to deal with the transition back to a non-pregnant state. There are physical needs to be taken care of even after the symptoms of miscarriage like vaginal bleeding have stopped. The body may be exhausted from dealing with physical aches and pains disabled from good sleep. While vigorous exercise has to be avoided till the body has healed, mild exercise can keep the body healthy and enable dealing with hormonal challenges. Exercise can also increase endorphin levels that elevate mood and help cope with grief.

Coping with emotional aspects of early pregnancy loss

Every woman will process the loss of pregnancy differently. It is normal to mourn the loss of pregnancy but it is important to find ways to come to terms with it as the vast range of emotions after a miscarriage can have devastating impacts. Following are some ways that can help in feeling gradually better as time passes and cope with everyday life.

Don’t feel guilty – Unlike common beliefs, everyday activities such as exercising, working, or having sex, don’t cause miscarriages. It is the genetic abnormality that prevents the fetus from developing normally, leading to miscarriage. Yet many women blame and hold themselves guilty for the loss. Finding out the medical cause of pregnancy loss may help overcome feelings of guilt.

Express all the feelings – It is normal to have feelings of sadness, despair, and anger as a natural part of the grieving process. It is important to express all the feelings and not feel ashamed to grieve.

Count on the partner – The male partner should be allowed to show care and open up to share their feelings. They can be of great help in watching over other children, doing the dishes, or taking the woman out.

Take help from loved ones – Family and friends are the sounding board to express emotions and to help with everyday chores, pet care, or family care.

Stay active – Staying active can have an everlasting impact on moving on with life. Someday, the role may be reversed to motivate in supporting another parent who has experienced a miscarriage.

Seek relaxation techniques – spiritual leaders can be of good guidance for religious people. Meditation and music therapy are other ways to find solace in the mind.

Join a support network – Online support groups are available where it is possible to connect with others who have gone through this type of loss. A counselor or a therapist can also be of much help in providing mental support. They can also help prepare for the next conception and take steps to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Getting pregnant again – Although pregnancy hormones may remain in the blood for months, there are great chances to get pregnant after the two-week abstinence period after miscarriage. The uterus is remarkably good at recovering from a miscarriage. It is advisable to try again after one normal menstrual cycle. Pre-pregnancy planning for irregular periods treatment in Chennai can help women with repeated miscarriages to attain motherhood.