Emotional Wellbeing
<p><b>Moving on after a miscarriage</b></p>
<p>Losing a child is devastating no matter when it happens. Miscarriage is unfortunately common, happening in 10-25% of all known pregnancies, with many miscarriages in the first three months of pregnancy.</p>
<p>Today, you may find out if you're pregnant within hours after conception, making it more difficult to cope with a miscarriage. You have more time to bond with your infant and create future dreams, which may be devastating when they are broken.</p>
<p>Thankfully, there are numerous things you can do to feel better after a miscarriage. Avoiding negative thoughts and actions may help you deal and get past your pregnancy loss so you're truly ready to try again (if you choose) in the future.</p>
<p><b>The stages of grief after a miscarriage</b></p>
<p>After a miscarriage, your emotions may be all over the place. Mentally, you're undoubtedly preoccupied and unable to complete simple normal activities. Physically, you may feel tired and have difficulty sleeping. You could still be suffering from body aches and pains.</p>
<p>These phases are common, however the order in which they occur, as well as the emotions you experience, may differ.</p>
<p><b>Shock and denial</b></p>
<p>There may be feelings of numbness and denial, as though, "This couldn't have happened to me." This is a psychological process that protects your mind from the trauma of loss.</p>
<p><b>Anger and guilt</b></p>
<p>Guilt is a natural reaction when something bad occurs to someone we care about, and who could be more important to you than your own baby?</p>
<p>You may blame yourself or find someone to blame for such a senseless tragedy (even if there’s no valid reason).</p>
<p>You may feel angry and envious of people who are pregnant or are parents, and you may even have emotions of hatred for them.</p>
<p><b>Depression</b></p>
<p>You could be unhappy most of the time or all the time, cry a lot, and be unable to eat or sleep. You could lose interest in everything or be unable to function in any way, and you might question if you'll ever be able to have a healthy baby.</p>
<p><b>Acceptance</b></p>
<p>You'll eventually come to grips with your loss. Keep in mind that this doesn't imply you'll forget about the loss; rather, it means you'll be able to accept it and move on with your life.</p>
<p><b>Don’t hide your pain</b></p>
<p>The sadness you're experiencing is real, and no matter how early in your pregnancy you lost a baby, you may still be grieving intensely.</p>
<p>Remember that you have the right to grieve as much — or as little — as you need. Do this in any way that may assist you in healing and moving forward.</p>
<p>Get help from your partner. Remember that they are grieving the loss of your baby as well, though their emotions may be expressed differently. Instead of trying to protect each other, sharing your thoughts honestly will help you both recover.</p>
