I hope to educate others and take the stigma away from types of pregnancy loss and infertility. We educate ourselves about other health issues, diabetes, how to manage a cold, ear infections, etc. So why not miscarriage? I knew nothing about it until after I was experiencing one.
The more you know the more empowered you are about your health. Knowledge helps us be more understanding to what others are going through.
A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a woman's pregnancy before the 20th week. It can be VERY painful, traumatic, and is very emotional.
About 15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. The first time I miscarried I was SHOCKED at this statistic. I had no idea how common it was. After my miscarriage I had so many friends reach out and say, “me too.”
Miscarriages usually happen early, over 80% of miscarriages happen in the first 3 months of pregnancy.
After a miscarriage, there are often feelings of helplessness, shame, guilt, and self-blame. I have really isolated myself after my pregnancy losses. It is lonely & the emotions are sometimes too much. Miscarriages happen randomly, no one really knows why they happen. All of those feelings are normal, but you are absolutely NOT to blame for your miscarriage. You did nothing wrong.
All of the emotions related to miscarriage can be intensified by the rapid change in your hormones.
You may need medical help during the miscarriage. Your OB-GYN should be aware of what you are experiencing & then can help you with the correct treatment.
Consult your doctor if you are experience bleeding. My miscarriages have always had heavy bleeding like the worst period of my life. Some bleeding can be totally normal during pregnancies.
IT IS OK TO GRIEVE. After a miscarriage, you are experiencing a loss. A loss of a child, a loss of family plans, a loss of dreams, etc. It is normal & healthy to grieve. There is no right way to grieve.
Getting pregnant after a miscarriage can be so overwhelming & full of anxiety. However, most women who miscarry get pregnant again & have a full term perfect baby.
Do you have any questions about miscarriage or is there something you wish you had known?