A miscarriage is a sudden termination of a pregnancy. About 10-25% of gestations end due to an abortion. In most cases, it is unpredictable and due to an abnormality in the fetus. Recovering from this experience, emotionally and physically, takes time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Physical Recovery
Step 1. Discuss healing with your gynecologist
As soon as the first warning signs appear, you should see your doctor. The duration of your convalescence depends on your state of health and the stage of pregnancy.
- An abortion can be detected with an ultrasound. There are several options you can consider in deciding how to proceed medically. The right choice depends on your preferences and the stage of pregnancy.
- If there are no signs of infection, it is possible to let the abortion occur naturally. It takes one to four weeks for the process to complete. It can be emotionally difficult. Many women decide to speed it up with a medical procedure. There are medicines that can facilitate the termination of pregnancy and minimize side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. This treatment works within 24 hours for 70-90% of women.
- In the event of severe bleeding or infection, a surgical procedure may be required. The gynecologist will dilate the cervix and remove the tissues from the uterus. The surgery could damage the uterine wall, but it is a rather rare complication.
Step 2. Be prepared for potential side effects
Abortion can be physically specific. Here are which ones might occur:
- Slight or severe back pain.
- Slimming.
- White-pink mucus.
- Brown or deep red leaks.
- If side effects get worse, see a doctor. You need to make sure you deal with any infections or complications right away.
Step 3. Take the prescribed medications
After a miscarriage, your doctor may prescribe certain medications. They can prevent infections and help manage pain. Take them according to the directions you are given.
- Most medicines will be prescribed to you to prevent bleeding. The more advanced the gestation, the more likely it is that bleeding will occur. Your gynecologist will prescribe medications to help blood clot and prevent excessive bleeding. Take them all according to the directions you are given. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
- If your gynecologist is concerned that you risk an infection, he will likely prescribe antibiotics. Take them all according to the instructions and be sure to avoid actions that may decrease their effectiveness, such as drinking alcohol.
Step 4. Go through physical recovery at home
Once all medical procedures are done, the rest of the healing will take place at home. Ask your gynecologist what exactly to do to start getting better again.
- In the first two weeks after the abortion, avoid having sex and do not introduce any objects, such as tampons, into your vagina.
- The time to start living normally depends on your health and the stage of the pregnancy at the time of the abortion. Talk to your gynecologist about how to get back to normal and the precautions you should take.
- Generally, healing takes a few hours to a few days. Menstruation should return within 4-6 weeks.
Part 2 of 3: Emotional Recovery
Step 1. Give yourself time to grieve
Aborting is an incredibly intense experience. It is normal to have a sense of loss, so you need to give yourself ample time to process the pain.
- The emotions experienced after an abortion are normal and can be quite intense. Many women feel sadness or anger. Some blame themselves or those around them unfairly. Allow yourself to feel deeply all the emotions, even the negative ones. Writing your thoughts in a journal in the weeks following the abortion can be a healthy way to process your feelings.
- Remember that hormones also play an important role. The emotional response generated by pregnancy and abortion amplifies the intensity of the emotions. Following this experience, it is not uncommon to cry for prolonged periods. After losing a baby, it is also normal to have difficulty eating and sleeping.
- While it can be difficult to deal with these emotions, you need to allow yourself to fully experience them. Try to remember that they are temporary and that everything will return to normal over time.
Step 2. Ask for help from others
Having a strong support network is very important after an abortion. Seek guidance, support, and advice from those around you, especially those who have gone through a similar experience.
- Nurses have experience in this area. Talk to a nurse who has assisted you and ask her if she knows about self-help groups in your city. It can be difficult to get others to understand what having an abortion means. Many women find it helpful to talk to people who have gone through the same experience.
- Try to explain to your loved ones how you feel and what they can do for you. Some women need a lot of support after an abortion, while others want more space. After suffering the loss of a pregnancy, not everyone reacts in the same way and there are no rules about it.
- Many online resources deal with abortion, and some provide forums where you can share your thoughts with other people. Take a look at the following: Fertile period, I am looking for a child and https://www.miobambino.it/forum/aborto-spontaneo/forumid_102/tt.htm%7C My child]. You can visit them in the weeks following this experience.
Step 3. Prepare for insensitive comments
After an abortion, many will make painful observations. In most cases, they won't be hurting you, but they may have a hard time figuring out how to deal with you. In an effort to help you, they may end up saying the wrong thing.
- Many will make comments to try to help you get better. They may say phrases like "At least the pregnancy wasn't that advanced" or "You can try again." If you have other children, they may advise you to find comfort in them. Unfortunately, they don't understand that these comments only detract from the loss you suffered.
- Try to address these comments without getting angry. Just say, "I know you're trying to support me and I appreciate that, but these comments aren't helping me now." Most people will not intend to offend you and will genuinely want to know if they have made an insidious remark.
Step 4. If necessary, consult a psychotherapist
It takes time to recover from an abortion. However, if it's been a few months and you're still broken, it's good to ask a professional for help. An abortion can be traumatic. Assistance from a psychotherapist or psychiatrist can help you manage pain.
- You can find a psychotherapist by asking for advice from relatives and friends, your doctor or your gynecologist.
- If you cannot afford it from an economic point of view, contact the ASL to receive treatment at a much lower cost.
Part 3 of 3: Turn the Page
Step 1. Decide when and whether to try again
Unless the abortion is due to a specific fertility problem, most women can conceive again after this experience. It is a personal decision that depends on numerous factors.
- The World Health Organization recommends waiting at least 6 months before trying to look for another pregnancy. However, putting off conception too long has little medical benefit. If you are healthy and emotionally ready, you should be able to get pregnant as soon as your period returns.
- Remember that getting pregnant after a miscarriage can be an anxious experience. Many women fear reliving it. Before trying to conceive again, make sure you are ready to deal with the emotional baggage that comes with another gestation. Less than 5% of women have 2 consecutive miscarriages. In short, the odds are in your favor. Being aware of this can help keep anxiety under control.
- If you have had more than 2 miscarriages, you should discuss this with a doctor and undergo certain tests to investigate the cause. By diagnosing and treating the problems, the chances of carrying the pregnancy to term will increase.
Step 2. Learn how to prevent future miscarriages
Most miscarriages are unpredictable. However, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk.
- During pregnancy, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly and try to control your weight gain to make sure it is normal. Follow a balanced diet and avoid all foods that could harm the fetus, such as soft cheeses or raw meat.
- When pregnant, do not smoke or drink. Limit your caffeine intake to one 350ml cup per day.
- Take prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements every day.
Step 3. Talk to your gynecologist to discuss the steps to take in the future
After a miscarriage, any plans you have in mind to look for another pregnancy should be reviewed with a doctor. When it comes to gestation, there are no absolute rules applicable to every single woman. Only a professional who knows your situation and medical record can advise you on what to do to move on after an abortion.
