Emotional and Physical Effects of Miscarriage
Maya Omkar
August 2024
Miscarriage is often described as the unexpected end of a pregnancy during the first 20 weeks of the gestation period. Though it can be difficult to understand the feeling in depth, it is essential to acknowledge the several negativities that come with a miscarriage. Every woman’s experience with it is different; however, several clinical specialists regard it as a traumatic experience that can evoke dreadful feelings of guilt, shame, and even symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).[1]
Causes of Miscarriage
There are several reasons surrounding the cause of a miscarriage. Due to this, the phenomenon of miscarriage is quite common. In fact, around 10-20% of all pregnancies unfortunately result in a miscarriage.[2] Contrary to most beliefs, mental health problems, exercise, and minor injuries are not what causes miscarriages. If the miscarriage occurs during the first trimester, which about 50% of miscarriages do, it is due to the fertilized egg containing an unusual amount of chromosomes. Another factor could be if the mother has a severe and abnormal disease or infection, such as unmanaged diabetes, immune system disorders like lupus, kidney disease, heart disease, and thyroid disease.[3] Another very possible component of miscarriage is old age.
These causes can lead to a few different types of miscarriage. Inevitable miscarriage is when the cervix opens up early, leaking amniotic fluid. Complete miscarriage is when the fetal tissue passes, leaving the pregnancy sac empty. Missed miscarriage occurs when there are no shown symptoms of a miscarriage, but the fetus has no heartbeat. Lastly, an incomplete miscarriage occurs when some pregnancy tissue has passed, but some tissue still remains in the uterus.[4]
Emotional Responses to a Miscarriage
The time it takes to recover from a miscarriage is largely dependent on the person. Some couples come and accept the terms just within a few weeks, whereas others could take longer. Everyone endures grief differently; some find it better to talk about it, whereas others find it too miserable. Feelings of anxiety, depression, shock, guilt, anger, and resentment are common among individuals who recently miscarried. About 20% of women who miscarried became diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety, with impactful symptoms that lasted 1 to 3 years.[5] After pregnancy loss, a large hormonal shift comes straight afterward. The sudden change in hormones contributes to an impactful amount of emotions. On average, it takes about 2 to 8 weeks for hormone levels to recuperate.
Physical Responses to a Miscarriage
Emotional tolls are not the only thing that comes with the cost of miscarriage. Several symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping are extremely common the weeks after a miscarriage. Like the emotional toll that comes with miscarriage, the physical process that comes afterward is experienced differently depending on the individual and the type of miscarriage they had. Painful period-like cramps are expectant; this usually occurs because the uterus is still squeezing out the leftover content that remained in the pregnancy sac.[6] Some women even experience labor contractions. It is also likely for women to bleed heavily and even pass out. Treatment and symptoms for a woman who miscarried in her second trimester are a bit different. Since the fetus is more developed in the second trimester, hospitalization is a hundred percent necessary. Miscarrying in the second trimester also puts you through a more notable and real experience of labor. Miscarriage may also put you through certain discomfort like breast soreness and headaches.
How to Heal
Learning to heal is a different process for everyone. It is a distinctive and personal process that takes time and strength. It is crucial to consider reaching out to a mental health professional after a miscarriage, especially with a notable history of depression. A miscarriage therapist can help sort through dreadful and complicated emotions an individual might be going through. Getting in contact with someone who could help emotionally could be extremely beneficial to the woman suffering. After a miscarriage, it is especially key to make sure you are thoroughly practicing self-care. This is essential to make a good and healthy recovery. Physical activity is a great way to bring yourself joy and even let go of any emotional stress.
References
[1] Roxby, B. P. (2020, January 15). Miscarriage can lead to “long-term post-traumatic stress.” https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51093999
[2] What is a Miscarriage? | Causes of Miscarriage. (n.d.). Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/miscarriage
[3] Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Miscarriage. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage
[4] Healthdirect Australia. (2024, May 8). Miscarriage. Types, Symptoms and When to See a Doctor | Pregnancy Birth and Baby. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/miscarriage
[5] Nynas, J., Narang, P., Kolikonda, M. K., & Lippmann, S. (2015). Depression and anxiety following early pregnancy loss. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.14r01721
[6] The Miscarriage Association. (2024, January 25). The physical process – The Miscarriage Association.https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/information/miscarriage/the-physical-pro cess/
