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A pregnancy interruption can be an extremely frustrating, and even a crisis inducing event. It does not help that the emotional and physical causes are shrouded with superstition and fallacy. People do not know how to support the individual who has experienced a miscarriage, and the fears surrounding future pregnancies can cause a great deal of unnecessary stress. It is important to understand the causes of miscarriage, the emotional turmoil of the woman, and what can be done to prevent further miscarriages.
In the book, Homeopathy for Women, by Dr. Barry Rose and Dr. Christina Scott -Moncrieff many causes for miscarriages are explored. An abnormal embryo or fetus, which can include abnormal development or chromosomal abnormalities. The mother may have a hormonal deficiency; often a lack of progesterone can cause the pregnancy to end. Deformities of the uterus or fibroid tumors can cause an interruption in the pregnancy. An incompetent cervix, or a cervix that does not stay closed can be the explanation. If the pregnant woman has illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, an infection, or some viruses the baby can be effected and a miscarriage could possibly result. Some studies have shown that mothers who smoke cigarettes or marijuana have a greater incidence of miscarriage.
Whatever the cause, the woman who has experienced a miscarriage needs support. Often people feel the best way to support a woman going through this is to share various platitudes such as:
This was God’s will
This is nature’s way of taking care of itself.
Do not think of it as a baby; it was only a mass of cells.
The baby was probably abnormal and it is best this way.
It wasn’t a real pregnancy; it was really just a blighted ovum.
Do not think this is helpful. In most circumstances when a woman goes through a miscarriage she has been inundated with information from health professionals and knows about causes, risks, and other facts concerning miscarriage. A woman experiencing the loss of a pregnancy is usually in grief. Not only is she grieving in the psychological sense, but she is also grieving physiologically. The body has prepared for pregnancy by sending hormonal messages to the rest of the body. When a miscarriage occurs it takes time for the body to readjust to this non-event. So the woman will be emotional and out of sorts, even if she has experienced miscarriage before.
Listening to the woman’s feelings and allowing her to express her sadness is the best kind of support to offer in this situation. There is no advice to offer a person that will take away the grief. Grief is a process that needs to be respected. Allowing the individual time to recover, and empathizing with the emotions that surface is extremely important. If the individual does not resume normal activities in a few weeks it is important that this person seek professional help. There may be an underlying medical or emotional problem here. Anemia and depression can often accompany a miscarriage and these conditions need to be treated.
After a miscarriage a woman may have many fears about getting pregnant again. The doctor may check to make sure there is not a RH factor responsible for the miscarriage, and will provide the necessary shot to prevent danger to the baby in subsequent pregnancies. If the woman has only had one miscarriage there is a good chance she will go on to have a normal pregnancy the next time. Generally extensive testing for the cause of the miscarriage will not be done until there are three consecutive miscarriages experienced..
When several miscarriages occur tests can be done to determine the cause. There are many techniques used to help a woman experiencing a series of miscarriages. If the woman has a hormonal deficiency oral or suppository can be prescribed and are generally taken through the first trimester. This will help the woman’s body support the development of the baby through the first 12 weeks, which is when 95% of all miscarriages occurs. If the woman has an incompetent cervix there are surgical methods to prevent the cervix from opening and causing an interruption. When high blood pressure and diabetes are present measures can be taken to control these through pregnancy to keep mother and child healthy. Fertility drugs such as Chlomid can help reduce the risks of miscarriage in some women.
Miscarriage can be devastating, even in the case of an unexpected pregnancy. The loss and frustration experienced by both parents can be a difficulty. Surviving this tragedy and exploring new options available can be easier if the individual has understanding of the process and what to expect in the future. Learning about miscarriage is the best way to help yourself and others deal with the problems connected with the unexpected loss of a pregnancy.
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