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The definition of miscarriage -

The definition of miscarriage varies slightly from country to country. In general, however, the term is used to describe the loss of a pregnancy in the first 23 weeks.

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Statistics -

Since the topic of miscarriage is not often discussed, people tend not to realize how common it is. Globally, around 23 million miscarriages occur each year.

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Timing -

Although a miscarriage can happen later in a pregnancy, most of the time it happens during the first 12 weeks. Sometimes it happens even before the person knows they're pregnant.

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Cause -

There are several reasons that a miscarriage can happen, although in most cases the reason for a particular miscarriage is not identified by the doctor.

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Cause -

Usually, it is not caused by anything the pregnant person has done. Rather, it tends to happen because of abnormal chromosomes in the baby.

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What are chromosomes? -

Chromosomes are best thought of as the building blocks that guide the development of the baby. If there are too many or too few, the baby will not develop properly, and this can result in miscarriage.

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One-off event -

Most of the time, miscarriage is a one-off event, and most people who experience them can go on to have a successful pregnancy in the future.

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Recurrent miscarriage - However, it can happen that someone experiences several miscarriages in a row. This is referred to as a "recurrent miscarriage."

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Physically draining - Miscarriage can be very draining physically, and it is important for anyone who thinks they may be experiencing symptoms to seek urgent medical attention.

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Emotionally draining - It can also be very draining emotionally, with emotions being exaggerated by the fact that the experience often goes undiscussed, or even unnoticed.

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Grief - Many people affected by miscarriage experience feelings of grief. For some, these feelings come on immediately; for others, it can take several weeks.

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Grief - The grief that people experience after a miscarriage is just like grief in any other context. It affects people differently and there is no 'right way to feel.'

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Very personal experience -

For example, some people may find it comforting to talk about what they are going through, while others may find the topic too painful to discuss.

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Recovery time -

Similarly, for some people the grieving process may last only a few weeks, after which they may feel ready to move forward and start planning their next pregnancy.

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Recovery time -

For other people, the thought of planning another pregnancy may continue to be too painful for a much longer period. It all depends on the individual.

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Couples -

For people in relationships, it is important to remember that your partner may also be experiencing feelings of grief, and it helps to be as open as possible about how you're feeling.

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Men dealing with miscarriage -

Men in particular can find it difficult to express how they're feeling, especially when they feel a strong sense of responsibility to be looking after their partner.

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Negative feelings -

It is important, too, that people do not blame themselves for feeling a certain way. Negative feelings such as guilt or anger towards others are common, and will pass.

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Remembrance -

When it comes to dealing with feelings of grief after a miscarriage, some people find it helpful to do something in remembrance of their unborn baby.

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Memorial -

In many cases it is possible to arrange a memorial and burial service for the baby, if the parents want one and feel it would be helpful for their healing process.

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Options for burial -

It is possible to arrange this at certain hospitals and clinics. Individuals can sometimes arrange to have a burial at home, if they prefer.

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Cremation -

Another option is cremation, and this can be performed either at the hospital or the local crematorium. Not all crematoriums offer this service, however.

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Getting help - People who have trouble coping with grief, whether in the context of miscarriage or otherwise, should not hesitate to seek help via treatment and counselling.

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Support groups - Although miscarriage is still, unfortunately, a taboo topic, things are gradually starting to change, and there are support groups out there.

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Campaigning for change -

Meanwhile, there are individuals campaigning for an improvement in the care that people are offered after suffering a miscarriage.

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WHO review -

In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a review into the psychological aftercare that is offered in the event of a miscarriage.

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Conclusions -

While it concluded that there was not enough evidence to offer psychological support to everyone in this situation, it did suggest offering follow-up appointments to people considered to be at high risk of developing mental illness as a result.

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Final thoughts -

There is still a long way to go when it comes to understanding how best to support people going through and recovering from miscarriage. However, increased awareness is a great place to start.

Sources: (APA) (WHO) (NHS)

See also: Pregnancy myths people still believe

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