“How Do I Cope With Miscarriage During Pregnancy?”

How Do I Cope With Miscarriage During Pregnancy?

Coping With Pregnancy Loss
Pregnancy loss is a tough subject to deal with during pregnancy. In the last couple of years two of my friends experienced a miscarriage during pregnancy, one at 12 weeks pregnant and the other at 21 weeks pregnancy.

Both of them are happily pregnant and very near delivery today, but suffered tremendously from their loss for many weeks. Even now when we talk about their previous pregnancies, there is marked sadness in their voices. This sadness however is often overcome by their joy at being newly pregnant.

Pregnancy loss while tragic is extremely common. I experienced a miscarriage the first time I got pregnant. I have another friend lost her baby two weeks after delivery. Coping with loss during pregnancy is challenging, whether that loss results from a miscarriage, stillbirth or loss of a newborn baby after delivery. There simply aren’t enough words to express the pain and grief a family feels at the loss of an infant regardless of the baby’s gestational age.

Fortunately for all parents who lose a child there is hope for recovery.

If you are newly pregnant after a recent loss, you may find your thoughts are filled with worry and anxiety over the health and well being of your new baby. This is perfectly normal. It is important however, you focus on the positive aspects of your pregnancy as much as possible during pregnancy to help promote a healthy outcome.

Many women find it is impossible to erase all of the fear they have about pregnancy loss during pregnancy. It helps if you understand the cause of a previous miscarriage so you are armed with information during subsequent pregnancies.

If the miscarriage you experienced resulting from unknown causes, the chances are very good you will go on to carry your baby on to term during your next pregnancy. If the miscarriage is associated with other problems like hormonal problems or an incompetent cervix, your healthcare provider will work carefully and closely with you to ensure the best possible outcome for your next pregnancy.

Steps For Overcoming Grief and Anxiety
Here are some strategies you can use to help relieve some of the grief and anxiety associated with a pregnancy loss.

•  Know that pregnancy complications are inevitable in some cases and can happen to anyone.
•  Avoid blaming yourself for a miscarriage.
•  Give yourself enough time to deal with your grief and heal before trying to get pregnant again.
•  Take some time off from work if you need to so you can work through your grief.
•  Understand your partner may grieve in a different way than you, but likely is affected by your loss as much as you are. Take some time to share your feelings with your partner and communicate with your partner about your fears and expectations.
•  Find others you can share your feelings with and gain support from. There are many support groups online and within your community you can join to help support you during a miscarriage and throughout subsequent pregnancies. Some women find relief from personal counseling.

Many women also find it helps to share their story with others. One of the best ways to cope with a loss is by communicating with others. Avoid isolating yourself and take this time to talk with your partner, friends and family. You may also find support from other moms and dads online going through similar experiences.

Most importantly, be sure you are open and honest with yourself about your feelings. This will help you communicate with your partner, friends and family and ensure you get the support you need during pregnancy to help you cope with a miscarriage.