Pregnancy is a time of hopes and dreams, but sometimes, those dreams are destroyed by the pain of miscarriage. It's like being on a rollercoaster of emotions, where joy turns to sorrow in the blink of an eye. Imagine this: You're expecting a baby, your heart beating with excitement and anticipation. But suddenly, the world comes crashing down as you face the reality of pregnancy loss. It feels like your heart is breaking into a million pieces, and you wonder if you'll ever find peace again.
In this gentle space, let's explore the journey of healing after miscarriage. Welcome to a place where your pain is understood and your journey is honoured with compassion and care.
Losing a pregnancy is a heartbreaking experience that no one can ever prepare for. Miscarriage affects millions of families around the world. It's important to understand that you're not alone. It's a journey through a lot of emotions, from shock and disbelief to grief and sadness. For those who have experienced this loss, finding a way to recover through the pain and begin to heal can be difficult.
Facing The Reality
The first step towards recovery after pregnancy loss is to allow yourself to accept the reality of what has happened. It's natural to feel emotions – confusion, anger, sadness, guilt – but it's important to remember that these feelings are valid and part of the healing process. You don't have to walk this journey alone. Getting support from loved ones, family and friends can provide comfort and strength during this difficult time. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others who have been through the same struggles can help you feel less alone in your pain. Don't be afraid to lean on those who care about you.
Self-Care and Healing
Taking care of yourself is very important for your recovery. Do activities that bring you comfort and peace, like spending time in nature, practising mindfulness and meditation, listening to soothing music or doing your favorite hobby. Pay attention to your physical health as well, make sure you are getting enough rest, nourishment, and exercise to support your body through this healing process.
What is Early Miscarriage?
A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends on its own within the first 20 weeks. It can happen for many reasons. Sometimes the body recognizes that the baby isn't developing properly, and naturally it ends the pregnancy to prevent further complications. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, that is, within 13 weeks of being pregnant where the fetus is removed from the uterus.
Signs and Symptoms of Early Miscarriage:
● Cramping: While this may be some cause for concern, it may also occur as a result of the fetus growing inside the uterus.
● Spotting: Spotting can be a little unsightly, but a number of factors like irritation and intercourse can also be the culprit.
Since cramping and spotting are normal during pregnancy, it cannot be concluded that there is a risk of miscarriage based on these phenomena. These symptoms subside after some time and the pregnancy continues. The best course of action is to seek the advice of a trained medical professional.
Major causes of Early Miscarriage:
● Mother's health: As the mother is a natural incubator where the fetus develops, any health problem faced by the mother can affect the development of the baby. Diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, intrauterine infection, congenital heart disease, and thyroid disease are all associated with a higher chance of early miscarriage.
● Hormonal Issues: Women who have various hormonal imbalances are unable to produce enough progesterone when the eggs are released from the ovaries. Since progesterone is required for the maintenance of a supportive environment for the fetus, a low production can lead to miscarriage.
● Unhealthy lifestyle: Women who use refined flour, Chinese food, smoking, alcohol and drugs before and during pregnancy put the life of the fetus at risk by increasing the risk of miscarriage.
● Stress: Women who are experiencing high levels of stress have an increased risk of miscarriage. One study shows that stress-induced hormones called CRH and urocortin are found at higher levels in women who have a higher risk of miscarriage.
● Other Causes: Heavy jerk, genetic problem, family history, severe allergy are other causes of miscarriage.
How to Reduce Risk of Early Miscarriage?
1. Eligible Age: A woman in her early forties is more likely to have a miscarriage than a woman in her late thirties. This is because a young woman has more quality eggs, has more chromosomes and is less likely to produce abnormal eggs.
2. Lifestyle: Apart from eating healthy on time, staying happy, do regular exercise and avoiding caffeine and avoid taking any medications without a doctor's approval.
3. Abdominal protection: Any trauma to the abdominal segment can result in miscarriage. This is why it is advised that women who are pregnant avoid any type of sports or other activities that could put the fetus at risk.
4. Obesity: Women who do not eat a balanced diet have an increased risk of miscarriage. This has been established through many scientific studies.
What is Late Miscarriage?
A late miscarriage happens after 12 weeks and before 24 weeks. This may be due to reasons such as the fetus not being able to develop properly. Miscarriages in the second trimester are rare and are caused by problems with the placenta or cervix, exposure to toxins or the health of the mother.
Signs and Symptoms of Late Miscarriage:
The symptoms and signs of miscarriage after 12 weeks of pregnancy may vary from one woman to another depending on various factors.
● Cramping: Pain like labor pain
● Bleeding: Bleeding can range from light to heavy and blood clots may occur. This condition may be normal and is not considered a sign of miscarriage. However, if it continues for more than 3 days, you should consult a doctor. If your waters have broken, or there is a lack of movement in your uterus, this could also be a sign of miscarriage due to the demise of the fetus. Late miscarriage can be painful and may require the use of painkillers to reduce the pain.
Major causes of Late Miscarriage:
Although rare, late miscarriage can occur for no particular reason. You may experience a miscarriage for some of the reasons listed below:
● Placental Abnormalities: A weak placenta may cause miscarriage.
● Cervical Insufficiency: According to one report, one-fourth of all miscarriages occur due to early opening/dilation of the cervix. The risk of such a miscarriage is higher if you have had a miscarriage or abortion before.
● Health problems: Health issues that affect your hormones, such as uncontrolled diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, thyroid or celiac disease, can also cause miscarriage.
● Viral Infections: Causes of abortion after 12 weeks also include viral infections such as malaria, HIV, rubella or other sexually transmitted diseases.
● Partial pregnancy: pregnancy that is divided into two, can also increase the risk of late miscarriage.
● Illegal Drug: Use of illegal drugs can also cause miscarriage.
● Nutrition Deficiency: Underweight or overweight body and vitamin deficiency can also lead to miscarriage.
Physical Recovery After Miscarriage/Abortion
The body's physical recovery depends on the stage of pregnancy and the type of abortion. The body may heal quickly or it may take several weeks to heal.
You may experience period-like bleeding and cramps after an abortion, and your body will feel tired during recovery. It is important to monitor recovery very closely and consult your doctor regularly. During recovery, your breasts may begin producing milk. If it causes pain, you should consult your doctor for pain relief measures.
Activities for Physical Recovery After Miscarriage:
1. Rest and Relaxation: Engage in activities that promote rest and relaxation, such as taking naps, practicing gentle yoga, or meditating to reduce stress levels and aid in physical recovery.
2. Light Exercise: Gradually reintroduce light exercise into your routine as recommended by your healthcare provider. This could include gentle walks, stretching, or low-impact exercises to help improve circulation and promote healing.
3. Healthy Nutrition: Focus on nourishing your body with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Consider meal prepping or trying new recipes to ensure you're getting the nutrients needed for recovery.
4. Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal teas or infused water can also be soothing and hydrating options to support your body's healing process.
5. Self-care: Treat yourself to self-care activities that promote physical well-being, such as indulging in a warm bath with Epsom salts, getting a massage, or practicing aromatherapy with calming essential oils.
6. Gentle Stretching: Incorporate gentle stretching exercises to help alleviate tension and stiffness in the body. Focus on areas that may be particularly tight or sore, such as the back, hips, and shoulders.
Mental Recovery After Miscarriage/Abortion
If you are a working woman, you should ask your doctor to determine the right time to return to work.
Apart from the physical challenge, providing emotional support is equally important after a miscarriage. You may be experiencing a variety of emotions, including anger, frustration, guilt, sadness, or jealousy. Some women may find it helpful to talk to others about their situation, while others may want to move on and not discuss the situation.
You can always ask your doctor to guide you to counseling sessions or support groups that specialize in supporting people after a miscarriage.
Activities for Mental Recovery After Miscarriage:
1. Journaling (Diary writing): Take time to journal your thoughts and emotions as a way to process your feelings and gain insight into your healing journey. Writing can be therapeutic, to express yourself without judgement.
2. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness techniques or guided meditation to help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. Focus on your breath, body sensations, or visualizations to cultivate a sense of inner peace and relaxation.
3. Nature Therapy: Spend time in nature.
4. Music: Listening and playing music can also help a lot.
5. Krama Acceptance: According to Hindu scripture, the bond between parents and their unborn child is believed to be sacred. It is said that the soul of the unborn child chooses its parents based on past karma connections. The soul of the unborn child chooses you for this motherhood and fatherhood for this short time because of past karma. So, accept your karma, honor your lost baby. Be grateful that ‘Thank you for this experience of motherhood-fatherhood and pray for the journey of this unborn child.
6. Prayers: After pregnancy loss, prayers play a positive role in the mental recovery journey. Beyond the religious or spiritual belief, prayers offer comfort and peace. Engaging in prayer expresses emotions, fears, and hopes to a higher power, providing a sense of connection and support during this loss. Pray to whichever god you believe in to grant you a divine soul in your womb.
7. Fresh Start: Experiencing a miscarriage is really tough. It's like going through a big storm in your life. But after the storm passes, there's a chance for a new beginning. It's like a fresh start. Starting over means forgetting what happened, finding strength to keep moving forward. You will get pregnant again so accept the new soul and new beginning. It is your responsibility to not let this past pregnancy experience ruin and affect your new journey of pregnancy.
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Conceiving After Miscarriage/Abortion
According to studies, less than 5% of women experience miscarriage twice and hence it is safe to try to get pregnant after miscarriage.
Stay healthy and consult a doctor for diet as per Ayurveda method - Panchakarma and nature test. The chances of miscarriage increase in obese and underweight women, so it is important to have a healthy diet and exercise to keep the body fit. You may need to heal some physical problem such as the uterus or the wall in the uterus before trying to get pregnant again. Consult a doctor for suitable time to conceive for the second time after EARLY or LATE miscarriage. You can also enroll in the Garbh Sanskar Course for help.
When can I start again?
Generally, it takes a few weeks to repair tissues in the uterus so doctors recommend waiting 3-6 months before conceiving again. Please consult your doctor before conceiving because the reason for miscarriage may be different for different women.
Diet After Miscarriage/Abortion
1. Iron Food: Green leafy vegetables, nuts, lentils, beans, Brussels sprouts, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds.
2. Calcium: Dark green leafy vegetables, dairy products and dried fruits such as dried figs, dates and nuts.
3. Folate: Also found in spinach, kale, asparagus, broccoli, citrus fruits, lentils, peas, avocado, okra, sprouts, seeds, and nuts.
4. Protein: Milk, cheese, curd, lentils and chickpeas.
5. Vitamin C: Grapes, oranges, strawberries and kiwi.
6. Other Diet: Vitamin E and CoQ10 rich food.
Foods To Avoid After Miscarriage/Abortion
● Junk and fast foods: Kachori, Pani Puri, Samosas, Chips, French fries, Potato curry, Pizza, Burgers, Donuts etc.
● High Carb/Low Fiber: Foods with high carbohydrate and low fiber content like Noodles, white rice, Indian snacks like biscuits and murku, halwa, cutlets, and Indian breads like naan etc. which are made from refined white flour or maida.
● High fat foods: Dairy products full fat milk, butter, fatty cheese, cheese etc.
Looking To the Future
While it may be hard to imagine right now, know that there is hope for the future. Many people go on to have healthy pregnancies after experiencing a miscarriage. Take things one day at a time and be gentle with yourself as you navigate this journey.
In conclusion, miscarriage is a painful experience, but you're not alone. Reach out for support, take care of yourself, and know that healing is possible. You're stronger than you think, and you will get through this.
Dear mama-to-be, as you start on this wonderful journey, remember that you are not alone. With a little mindfulness, self-love, and a whole lot of deep breaths, you have the power to create a pregnancy filled with peace, joy, and boundless love.
As you journey into motherhood, may your days be filled with peace, happiness, and lots of love. You're doing great, mama!!
Disclaimer: This blog is correct as per the writer's knowledge. This is not medical guidance. Follow as you are responsible for.
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