Miscarriage can occur in one in five pregnancies. It is something many women will experience alone. It is a time of significant loss & grief for a baby and a future.

Very often miscarriage is because of chromosomal abnormalities. It is particularly important to know that even if you take the best care of yourself during pregnancy, you often cannot prevent a miscarriage. Having a miscarriage does not mean that you did something wrong or that it was your fault. It is a tragic loss. Anyone who has had a miscarriage deserves the right care and compassion for their loss.

Feelings of grief and loss are the most common emotional responses to miscarriage. Other and common responses are:

  • Sadness

  • Guilt

  • Shock

  • Depression

  • Resentment

  • Loneliness

  • Blame

  • Tiredness

  • Feeling numb

  • Loss of appetite

  • Lack of energy

  • Sleeping difficulties

  • Fear of it happening again

The Emotional Toll of Miscarriage

The emotional toll from a miscarriage can have a lasting effect. Sometimes the impact of the loss is felt immediately while for others it can be a delayed response over weeks and months. It can alter relationships with partners, friends and families making it a lonely place for women at times. If a miscarriage is incomplete and requires medical intervention and treatment this can further add to the emotional distress of the loss with some women experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Grieving Your Loss Your Way

No matter how far along the pregnancy you are, losing a baby is one of the most traumatic experiences that can happen to a woman. Whether a pregnancy was planned, unexpected or following months of trying to conceive, it signals the beginning of hopes, dreams and plans for you, your baby, and the future. How you grieve your loss and how you cope will vary between individuals and partners. That is normal and to be expected. Giving yourself permission to grieve in a way that is right for you is so important. There are no specific feelings or timelines for grieving, everyone is different in how they cope with loss and grief.

Specialist Miscarriage Counselling

Speaking with a professional counsellor about your loss may help you to find comfort at such a difficult and sad time. It could also help you to identify and develop ways to grieve in a way that is right for you.

At Fertility Counselling Care we understand how women can feel about their miscarriage. We have the knowledge, experience, care, and compassion to help and support you in a safe and confidential way.