What to Expect After a Miscarriage or Pregnancy Loss Diagnosis
By Krissi Danielsson, About.com Guide to Miscarriage / Pregnancy Loss
After the doctor confirms that you are having a miscarriage or stillbirth, you may need to make decisions such as whether to have a D & C or to wait for a natural miscarriage. You may also have questions about physical recovery and coping.
Types of Pregnancy Loss
The experience of a first-trimester miscarriage is tremendously different from that of a late-term loss or stillbirth. Learn more about what to expect based on your specific circumstances.
Treatment Options
You may not have a choice in your treatment. But in some cases, your doctor may ask your preference for whether you want to wait for a natural miscarriage or have a D & C. Here's some help in making the decision and info on what to expect.
- Misoprostol for Miscarriage
- Experiences with Medically Managed Miscarriage
- Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment
Physical Recovery
Everyone's physical recovery is different, but you may have a number of questions about the amount of bleeding and pain to expect and when your body will get back to normal.
- Overview of Physical Recovery
- What Happens During a Miscarriage?
- When Will the Bleeding Start?
- Severe Cramping and Pain
- Signs of Infection
- Signs of Incomplete Miscarriage
- How Long Does Bleeding Last?
- Need for RhoGAM
- Menstrual Period After Miscarriage
Common Questions During Recovery
You may find yourself reeling emotionally for at least a few weeks (or longer) after a miscarriage. Here are some common concerns people have during this time.
- How Much Bleeding Is Normal?
- How Long Will the Pregnancy Test Stay Positive?
- When Is It Okay to Have Sex?
- When Can I Exercise Again?
- When Will My hCG Fall to Zero?
- When Will I Ovulate Again?
- Why Do I Still Feel Pregnant?
- Possible Complications
Coping With Emotions
With most types of pregnancy loss, the physical issues are easier to handle than the emotional coping.
- How to Cope
- Deciding Whom to Tell
- Stages of Grief
- Telling People About Miscarriage
- Talking to Children
- Coping with Baby Shower Invitations
- Facing the Holidays
- When You Have No Answers
- Handling Insensitive Comments
- When to See a Therapist
- About.com Miscarriage Support Forums
- Dealing with Pregnant Friends
Causes of Miscarriage
One of the first questions most people have is, "Was this my fault?" The answer is no. And there isn't an answer as to why a miscarriage happened. You can do everything right and still have a miscarriage.
Readers' Miscarriage Experiences
Reading the stories and experiences of others going through a miscarriage can be a good way to feel less alone in grieving a pregnancy loss. You can also share your own story or thoughts about different aspects of miscarriage.
