Navigating Life After a Miscarriage

Miscarriage may be common, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy thing to go through. At Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom, we help many women who are navigating miscarriage, and we feel strongly about offering support and advice that can make this time more manageable. 

Today, we’re here to discuss what life might look like after a miscarriage and how you can get the help you need. 

Attending to your immediate health needs

When a pregnancy ends early, there are often medical needs that must be addressed in a short timeframe. For many women, their body completes the miscarriage on its own, shedding tissue in much the same way as a period. 

In some cases, not all of the tissue exits the body on its own. This is known as an “incomplete” miscarriage and requires medical treatment. 

You may be able to take a medication called misoprostol to prompt your body to expel the tissue, or you may need a procedure called dilation and curettage, which involves physically removing the lining of your uterus.

It’s important to stay vigilant for signs of infection after a miscarriage, like fever or chills. Reach out to our office immediately if you feel that something isn’t right. 

There is no “right” way to feel after a miscarriage

Regardless of whether your miscarriage is the end of a highly sought-after pregnancy or if you weren’t even aware you were pregnant when the event takes place, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to feel about a miscarriage. 

Some women feel a profound sense of grief and loss after miscarrying. The loss of a pregnancy can be devastating, especially for women who are actively trying to have a baby. 

There’s also no timeline for processing these feelings, and some women move through the process faster than others. 

It isn’t helpful to talk about miscarriage in terms of something to “get over” or “move past.” For some women, miscarriage is a life event that will stay with them for the rest of their lives, although the emotions tied to the loss will become less intense as time passes. 

Alternatively, many women experience miscarriage with minimal emotional turmoil. 

They may understand that miscarriage is the body’s way of terminating a pregnancy that could not result in a healthy child, or they may know that miscarriage is a common experience that doesn’t mean they won’t become mothers at another time. 

For these women, the guilt they feel about the ease with which they navigate a miscarriage is the hardest part of the process. But there’s no need to feel bad about your emotional response, or worry that you aren’t reacting “normally.”

Tips for navigating life after miscarriage

There are many ways to move forward after losing a pregnancy. But perhaps the most useful advice is to allow yourself the time and grace to feel your feelings. 

Trying to repress or shove down your emotional response will almost always lead to negative outcomes. While it might be hard to go through the grieving process, allowing your emotions to play out is important. 

Some women find it helpful to talk about their experience, especially with others who have also gone through a miscarriage. Talking with others who understand what you’re going through can be cathartic, and you might pick up some helpful advice. 

It can also be helpful to meet with a therapist to process your feelings. Even working with a professional for a short time can help you sharpen your coping skills and give you a safe space to explore your feelings. 

If you have a partner, be aware that they are also having a unique experience after a miscarriage. Try to be supportive of their emotional needs while taking care of yourself. 

Wondering about your reproductive health after a miscarriage?

If you’re concerned about what a miscarriage means for your future fertility, we encourage you to come in to sit down with one of our wonderful women’s health providers. 

We can discuss your health needs after miscarriage and how the experience may or may not shape your path toward parenthood. 

You can schedule a visit over the phone or use the Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom online booking page to find times that fit your schedule. We are a trusted resource for all things related to women’s health, including miscarriage.