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Pregnancy Loss

 

Coping with the grief from a pregnancy loss:

Communication

  • Talk about your baby and your feelings with your partner, family, and friends. It may sound trite, but this is an excellent outlet for releasing bottled-up emotions
  • Try to resume old relationships and start new ones, as a couple and as individuals
  • Learn more about talking to children about a loss

Help from Others

  • Admit to yourself and your family when you need help. This can lessen your pain and loneliness
  • Accept help from others
  • Let others know specific things they can do for you, such as providing food, company or childcare
  • Allow family and friends to share your grief and let them offer their support
    • Attend a support group. Couples who have "been there" can give support, help and hope

Taking Care of Your Emotional and Spiritual Health

  • Read books, articles and poems that provide understanding and comfort so you do not feel alone. Avoid “scare” literature and technical medical publications
  • Keep a diary or journal of thoughts, memories and mementos
  • Write letters, notes or poems to or about your baby
  • Request help or support from your clergy to renew your faith and hope

Big Decisions and Changes

  • Don’t move or change jobs or relationships. Wait 24 months before making these changes
  • Avoid long trips
  • Coping mechanisms and reflexes are impaired, making judgments difficult
  • Don’t put away baby clothes until you are ready
  • Don’t let others make decisions for you

Caring for Your Physical Health

  • Avoid junk foods and fast foods
  • Drink eight glasses of liquids (juice, water, soda) each day. It can be useful to keep a measured jug of water in the refrigerator to ensure that you drink enough
  • Don’t drink caffeine or alcohol because they may cause dehydration, headaches, or lower back pain. Alcohol can also depress body function and natural emotional expression
  • Do something active every day, such as biking, walking, jogging, aerobics, or stretching. Even a walk around the block can be useful
  • Avoid tobacco because it depletes the body of vitamins, increases the acidity of the stomach, decreases circulation, and causes palpitations
  • Avoid increased work activity. Maintain rest patterns if you are unable to sleep
  • Schedule a physical examination about four months after experiencing a loss because the body is at risk of developing diseases during grief

Grief is a personal journey, but we are here for you if you need additional help and support.

 
 

Next Steps

 

Get More Information

Learn more about how we can help make your experience one for the memory book and to take a tour of the Women's Center.

 

Find a Provider

Get connected with one of our board-certified OB/GYN providers.


 

Take a Women's Health Assessment

Answer a few questions to determine your level of risk for certain preventable health conditions.