How does a miscarriage affect mental health?
Experiencing the loss of a pregnancy is categorized as a traumatic event and is a loss that can greatly impact a person’s mental health. Research has shown that it is common for a person mourning the loss of a pregnancy to experience both short and long term symptoms of postnatal depression, anxiety, certain stress disorders and even post traumatic stress. Additionally, previous losses or previous mental health history of depression or anxiety can greatly impact the seriousness and duration of grieving.
What should I expect to experience after losing a pregnancy?
The loss of a pregnancy is unique in that there are no tangible memories of the little one lost, making it different from most other losses. In the case of a miscarriage, the grieving takes form in mourning the loss of hopes and dreams by you and those whom were anticipating the little one’s arrival. Throughout the grieving process, it is common to first experience some level of shock, followed by varying levels of shame, guilt, sadness and helplessness.
How do I cope with losing a pregnancy?
When mourning the loss of a pregnancy, the most important thing to remember is – do what feels right for you. What feels right could be impacted by a variety of factors, some of which include; if your physical health was compromised due to an ectopic pregnancy, if it was an early pregnancy loss and you had already announced it to others or it was a second trimester loss and you had already planned a baby shower.
No matter the specifics, many people find it helpful to create memories and a memor