Miscarriages are common, but that doesn’t make them any less devastating.
Losing a pregnancy is heartbreaking. You may be feeling many different emotions — grief, anger sadness — all at intense levels (and the hormones certainly don’t help). If you’ve never experienced a miscarriage before, you may be left wondering what happens next.
First and foremost, this is a time to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Your body will go through some biological processes during this time, but you’ll want to be aware of certain symptoms so you can get the help you need.
Physical care
If you haven’t already, you’ll begin to experience some cramping and bleeding that’s similar to a heavy period. You can manage this with sanitary pads (avoid tampons), but check in with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.
The bleeding and cramping should last anywhere between 1-2 weeks. Be sure to see your doctor within 2-6 weeks to be sure you’ve healed properly. You may need to have additional treatment or procedures.
If you experience any fever, heavy cramping, or heavy bleeding, notify a doctor right away.
Avoid intercourse and baths until you see your doctor.
Emotional care
The physical care is relatively straightforward, but the emotional and mental care after a miscarriage is more nuanced. It comes down to knowing yourself and knowing what you need in this moment.
For some, support groups can be incredibly helpful. Being in an environment with others who have experienced the same, and talking through your feelings is a great way to process some very difficult emotions.
For others, one-on-one therapy provides a comforting, intimate space in which to heal.
Many prefer just to share with family, friends, or spouses. Love and support from those closest to us can make difficult times a little easier.
There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to find emotional care after a miscarriage. Everyone grieves a little bit differently, and what works best for you can be the opposite of what works for someone else.
Trying again
You and your partner may decide you’d like to try and get pregnant following a miscarriage. Again, there’s no “right” or “wrong” time to start trying, only when you feel you’re ready. However, it’s best to check in with your doctor and discuss your plans with them.
One reason is that your doctor may run some tests before you attempt to get pregnant again. There are certain conditions that can impact pregnancy and make miscarriages more likely, and your doctor might want to rule these things out to prevent any issues in the future.
For the time being, take care of yourself in whatever way works best for you.