A Guide to Early Pregnancy Loss
MISCARRIAGE, MISSED MISCARRIAGE, ECTOPIC PREGNANCY, BLIGHTED OVUM, & MOLAR PREGNANCY
We are deeply sorry for your loss.
You did nothing to cause this, and it is not your fault.
You have the right to grieve the loss of a pregnancy at any gestational age. Please know that there is no right way to handle pregnancy loss. Your choices and grieving process are up to you. Be kind and allow yourself to do what feels helpful.
KNOW YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS
Non-Medical - Let the process of miscarriage occur naturally if you're in the first trimester of your pregnancy and this option is safe for you. This process can often happen at home. Here are examples of what you may experience:
No defined timeline; the process could take days or weeks
Symptoms worse than a heavy period; from severe cramping to labor pains
May see fetal tissue if far along enough – Ask your medical provider or hospital if they have a collection kit for you to use at home.
Medical - Your options will depend on several factors, such as how far along you are in your pregnancy. Here are some treatment options that may be available:
Vaginal or oral medication - This can be taken at home or outpatient. If you're in the first trimester of your pregnancy, the medicine will cause the uterus to contract. You then experience what is worse than a heavy period, with severe cramping to labor pains. If in the second trimester of your pregnancy, the medicine will start labor and lead to vaginal delivery.
D&C (Dilation and Curettage) - An outpatient procedure that is done in the first trimester. During the procedure, your cervix is dilated or opened, and the tissue in the uterus is removed.
D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) - Similar to a D&C, but done in the second trimester.
Ectopic Pregnancy – methotrexate injection(s) may be given if you're early in your pregnancy. The medication stops cells from growing, and your body absorbs the pregnancy. Sometimes, you may need surgery to remove the pregnancy or repair or remove the fallopian tube.
ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF IF IN A MEDICAL SETTING
This is a suggested list of requests to make or topics to discuss when you are in the hospital or clinic for your procedure:
An ultrasound before the procedure to have a keepsake image
Pain management options that are available during the procedure (e.g. medication, anesthesia)
Hand & footprints of your baby
Request what you need to feel comfortable
A room far from other patients to have a quiet space
Options for handling pregnancy remains, especially for further testing, cremation or burial.
COMMON PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS FOLLOWING EARLY PREGNANCY LOSS
Breastmilk production (lactation)
Tender breasts
Uterine cramping and bleeding
Nausea and vomiting
Postpartum sweats
Tiredness
Difficulty sleeping
Gaining or losing a lot of weight
Loss of appetite
COMMON RESPONSES AFTER AN EARLY PREGNANCY LOSS
Depressed mood, sadness, irritability, anger, panic, or anxiety
Feelings of insecurity, guilt, and low self-worth
Flashbacks to the loss
Difficulty remembering moments around the loss
Struggling to concentrate, having recurring thoughts, being in a mental fog, or feeling disconnected from reality
Sleeping too little or sleeping too much
Having anxiety or panicking with healthcare visits
IN THE DAYS AND WEEKS FOLLOWING EARLY PREGNANCY LOSS, YOU MAY FIND IT HELPFUL TO:
Name your baby
Engage in a ritual or special practice to honor your pregnancy or baby
Plan a memorial, cremation or burial
Meet your basic physical needs: eat, drink, sleep, move
Ask relatives or friends for help with other needs- food delivery, chores, childcare
IN THE MONTHS FOLLOWING EARLY PREGNANCY LOSS, YOU MAY FIND IT HELPFUL TO
Share the news with friends and family
Create an online or physical memorial, journal, or blog to share your story
Join a virtual or in-person pregnancy loss support group
Seek perinatal bereavement support from a professional
Limit time on social media
Prioritize your self care
Protect your physical health- move your body, sleep and rest, eat well
Find ways to hold a relationship with your baby
Make a plan as your due date approaches