Coping with Pregnancy Loss
If your pregnancy ended with a miscarriage or still birth, you find yourself coping with pregnancy loss. It’s probably something you never expected, leaving you with feelings of denial, anger, guilt and sorrow. Approximately 10% to 15% of pregnancies end in loss. If the loss occurs before 20 weeks, it is a miscarriage. After that, any pregnancy loss is a still birth. The staff and physicians at Athens ObGyn are here to offer advice and help you with finding support after a miscarriage.
What to expect when you are coping with pregnancy loss
When you lose a baby, you should expect to feel grief and loss. Some people may dismiss your feelings, especially if you have an early pregnancy loss, but you need to allow yourself to grieve. You should expect to feel all the emotions that come with an extreme loss. You may also experience physical symptoms.
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Sleep issues
- Appetite loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent crying episodes or feeling emotional throughout the day
- More extreme emotions due to hormonal changes that occur after a pregnancy ends
If you show signs of depression that don’t subside over time, or you have thoughts of self-harm, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to call our physicians.
Finding support after a miscarriage
You are not alone. Many people want to help you deal with your loss. Seek out supportive family and friends. Allow them to help you and to listen. Talk to a therapist or physician if you need professional support. There are many groups that offer advice on the internet, as well as in-person support groups. Here are a few that can help you with finding support after a miscarriage.
Helping your partner and family grieve
You had a special bond with the baby you carried, but it’s vital to remember that your partner and children also looked forward to the new baby. They may not grieve in the same way as you grieve, but they feel sadness in their own way. Talk to your partner, and try to be extra supportive and understanding with each other during this time. If you have children, explain your pregnancy loss using language they can understand. Encourage them to talk about and remember the baby in their own way.
Finding hope and trying again
If you are coping with pregnancy loss, consult with the physicians at Athens ObGyn. If you want to get pregnant again, they can provide the pregnancy counseling and prenatal care that you need. Hope and help is available. Contact us for an appointment.
