Dealing with a miscarriage

Most women and their partners have the tendency to blame themselves after a miscarriage, however usually miscarriages are very much unforeseen. One needs to find a support system and constantly talk to their doctors regarding the possibilities, coping mechanisms as well as treatment after their loss.

Dealing with a miscarriage is not easy, and often with a miscarriage the body takes weeks to return to normal. Couples should act as pillars of strength to one another and avoid situation whereby they blame one another for the miscarriage. It is always advisable to become clued up of a miscarriage to avoid misunderstanding during the grieving period. Teach one another about this; it simply starts with the following questions:

What causes a miscarriage?

Often miscarriages occur during the first three months (trimester) of the pregnancy. Although the causes of the miscarriage are often unclear, the most common reasons include the following:

·         Problem in one of the partner’s genes

·         Chronic illnesses like diabetes, severe high blood pressure, kidney disease

·         Acute infections like German measles

·         Diseases and abnormalities of the internal female organs

·         Certain drugs like caffeine, alcohol, tobacco or cocaine

Are there any side effects after a miscarriage?

Different people have different ways of dealing with their losses. These may be physical however most of the time individuals often show more emotions. The following are the common emotional effects you should expect:

·         Shock

·         Low self-esteem

·         Denial

·         Frustration

·         Sadness and depression

How do I cope after the miscarriage?

It is important to take time and grieve if you have had a miscarriage. Give yourself time to heal emotionally and physically. Support groups are one of the ways to overcome your loss, usually your doctor would know of local support groups. Writing down bottled up feelings also helps in letting out your emotions. Find success stories of women that have made it through a miscarriage, this could be a great source of encouragement. Remember to always speak to your doctor.