Miscarriage is a common occurrence. Around 15% of known pregnancies end up in miscarriage. However, that information is of no comfort for those who recently lost a child. Many women are shocked by how intense their emotions can get after a miscarriage. They can experience a range of emotions from grief and shock to guilt-based rage and fear about the possibility of future pregnancies. Males also feel a sense of guilt and loss. They aren’t sure how to support their partner through this struggle.
While nothing can cover up for this loss, there are ways to deal with pain after miscarriage and help recover faster from this experience.
Pain After Miscarriage
Abdominal Cramping
A miscarriage can lead to the uterus contracting. Like when you go through your period, your uterus contract to expel the contents. These contractions feel like cramps, and they hurt.
The cramps are usually felt across each side of the lower abdomen or the pelvic region. The cramps could appear and disappear in waves, or the pain could be more consistent. You can treat the discomfort with non-prescription (OTC) pain relievers such as Motrin and Tylenol. Make use of a heating pad to alleviate cramping.
Vaginal Discomfort
In the regular menstrual cycle, the uterus develops a lining in preparation for the birth of a baby. If the pregnancy isn’t able to continue, it is necessary for the lining to be removed.
Since your body is prepping for pregnancy, it will have more tissues and lining, which means your bleeding will be greater than that of a period. The more advanced you get during pregnancy, the heavier the bleeding will become.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be caused by hormone changes and the effects of any medication you use to control the miscarriage. To combat nausea, drink plenty of water and try to eat small meals consisting of bland, gentle-on-the-stomach foods.
Body Pain & Fatigue
After the mishap, it is normal to experience exhaustion, headaches, and weakness. If you notice a lot of dizziness or you feel as if you might faint, consult your physician or contact the urgent care center in your area. There are also cases of back and shoulder discomfort. It’s essential to take a break and drink lots of fluids to help manage these signs. Make sure to rest regularly, drink plenty of water, and eat foods rich in nutrients.
Emotional Devastation
In the event of a miscarriage, you’re entitled to feel sadness. It can be a challenging experience. You might feel intense and overwhelming sadness.
In any case, you may feel depressed or hopeless. You may also be anxious about having another baby. There is a chance that you will feel frequent mood swings and irritability. Also, feelings like anger and loneliness, mainly if there are many parents within your friends’ circle.
Process of Recovery
Physical Recovery
The physical pain after miscarriage can last till 2 or 3 weeks before you feel physically like yourself again. In some instances, doctors may request an ultrasound scan to ensure the uterus doesn’t have any retained tissues. The doctor may provide you with medications vaginally or orally to help your body eliminate any remaining tissue.
Express Your Emotions
It is possible to feel upset about not being able to see your baby outside the womb. You might be angry with the world about other pregnancies that can be conceived. It’s crucial to share all your emotions. It’s normal to feel like this and is a natural part of grieving. Give yourself time to grieve, and don’t hesitate to let your emotions out.
Recover as a Couple
Women and men typically react to miscarriages differently. In most cases, men go into problem-solving mode when confronted by a crisis. They might feel overwhelmed and unworthy when unable to initiate miscarriage pain relief.
Experts advise men to demonstrate how much they love their partner and openly express their emotions. For instance, they could be the ones to watch their children play and cook for them or even take their spouses to a dinner party.
Talk to a Therapist
A counselor for grief can help you deal with the loss of your baby and assist you in recovering more efficiently. You may also want to attend a couple of counseling sessions with your spouse based on your specific needs.
Seek Spiritual Guidance
If you’re religious, you may find it beneficial to talk to an ordained spiritual guide or go to group worship services. Faith in the almighty can help you recover faster from such an unfortunate experience.
Next Try?
Generally, the menstrual cycle occurs between four and six weeks after miscarriage. It is usually safe to have a baby after a regular menstrual cycle. However, it is wise to have medical examinations first to determine the reason for your miscarriage. In addition, your emotional state may require a longer healing time, as does your body. You should be fully healed emotionally and physically before becoming pregnant again.
It is common to dread miscarriage again after experiencing it once. However, the reality is that many women who have miscarriages will mostly have a healthy pregnancy the next time. Consult your healthcare provider regarding any concerns that you may have.