What to Expect After a Miscarriage
So what now? Is it over yet?
Once you have passed the baby you will want nothing more than for it to be all over. Sadly, your body and emotions still have a ways to go on the roller-coaster of pregnancy loss. As difficult as it is to think about, there are some definite things that you need to be aware of after a miscarriage.
First of all, you need to acknowledge the fact that you were pregnant and your body did give birth. With this in mind you should know that your body now has to deal with the postpartum stage just as any woman who has experienced a live birth would have to. In this postpartum stage you should expect to be more emotional than you would typically be, you will probably have few blue days 3-4 days after the actual miscarriage and you will begin to shed the hair you accumulated during the time you were pregnant. Keep in mind that your body is handling not only deep emotions but unbalanced hormones that are trying to figure out what to do with themselves. Give yourself some time and space and try to remember that eventually it will all be over with and your body will return to "normal."
One thing you and your family and friends should consciously watch out for is postpartum depression. This type of depression is quite common in women who have experienced a pregnancy loss, after all, you are experiencing all of the hormones but don't have the baby in your arms. A diagnosis of postpartum depression is nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of. Your feelings are very legitimate in your situation. However legitimate though, they do need to be dealt with. Do not hesitate to contact your midwife or doctor for suggestions of ways to treat your depression.
And now for the "business" end of things. Many midwives or doctors will order additional lab work in the weeks following your loss to ensure that all of your hormone levels are returning to normal. Also, for those of you who have an Rh negative blood type, you will most likely need to go in for a Rhogam shot within 72 hours of your miscarriage to protect future pregnancies. Check with your midwife or doctor to find out if this is necessary.
There is Hope for Healing
Ok- so now you know what to expect. Please do not be discouraged or be without hope- things will get better. Your body will eventually heal from this and you will no longer have to deal with that aspect of your grief. The important thing to keep in mind is that this is a process- a slow one at that. Give yourself time. Don't rush yourself into thinking that you just need to get over it and be ok! What you have just experienced is one of the most painful things you will ever have to endure and the fact that you are getting through it just goes to show how strong you really are! Don't forget to check out our page on ideas to help you deal with the emotional grief you are experiencing.
