If you have recently experienced a miscarriage, understanding appropriate miscarriage aftercare can help you get through this stressful time in your life.
Miscarriages, medically referred to as spontaneous abortions, occur between 10 and 20 percent of all recognized pregnancies. A miscarriage does not necessarily mean a woman can't carry a pregnancy to term, as many women who have had a miscarriage go on to successfully give birth. Most miscarriages have no known cause and could not have been prevented.
Signs of a miscarriage include:
You should contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a miscarriage, but it is important not to panic. The signs of miscarriage can also indicate other concerns that are not serious.
There are three different types of miscarriages that a woman may experience:
Your healthcare provider should explain the procedures for miscarriage aftercare, as the appropriate steps will vary depending upon how far along you are in your pregnancy, the type of miscarriage you have had, and your personal medical history. However, here are a few general tips to keep in mind during this time:
In most cases, a woman recovers from a miscarriage relatively quickly and with no lasting complications. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following:
After a pregnancy loss, many women experience feelings of grief. You may also have the following symptoms:
Talking to a close friend or family member about your feelings may be helpful in dealing with the emotional effects of a miscarriage. You may also wish to communicate with other women who have experienced pregnancy loss through an online forum such as Miscarriage Support.
In some cases, especially if you have had a missed miscarriage, you may experience postpartum depression. This is a serious condition that you should discuss with your healthcare provider. Anti-depressants or therapy may be need as part of your miscarriage aftercare.