This statistic is an estimate for the percentage of fertilized eggs that do not go on to result in a full-term pregnancy, factoring in miscarriages but also failed implantations that usually pass without the mother ever missing a period. As an overall statistic, one out of three pregnancies (after a positive pregnancy test) end in miscarriage (Danielsson). As the woman becomes farther along in her pregnancy, the chances diminish greatly. If you have suffered a miscarriage, here are four ways to help you recover.
Be Aware of your Body
After a miscarriage, your body goes through a lot of changes. Depending on which stage of your pregnancy was in, your body will do different things. Physical effects include heavy bleeding, light bleeding, or only spotting. Abdominal cramping may last a few days after and can be mild to severe. Your breasts may be swollen, very tender and even engorged for about one week and can be relieved using ice packs and a bra with a lot of support. After a miscarriage, pregnancy hormones can stay in your body for up to two months (After a Miscarriage: Physical Recovery – American Pregnancy). You may miss a few menstrual cycles or may be irregular, but they will get back on schedule within a few months to six months, depending on your body.
Prevent Infection
Bleeding may be an issue after a miscarriage. In order to avoid any infection, forego the use of tampons for pads for a cycle or two, avoid douching, take showers rather than baths, and stay out of hot tubs or pools until your body stops the bleeding and begins to seem normal again. Also, avoid having sex while you are bleeding and while your body is healing from the miscarriage.
Your obstetrician or health care professional may prescribe antibiotics for you. Be sure to take them as the instructions say and finish out the bottle even if you feel fine.
Return to Normal Activities
After a few months, you may start to feel like yourself again. It is important to understand that everyone is different, and it also depends on how far along in your pregnancy you were when the miscarriage took place. Consulting with your physician is also important, as he can guide you as to when you can resume a normal, active life.
Miscarriages do occur to many women, and while it can be very heartbreaking, you will physically heal within a few months. After six months (and according to your doctor) you may want to begin trying for another baby if you wish, and under the careful watch of your obstetrician, you and your partner may soon be going through a healthy pregnancy (Mann).
Mann, Denise. “Study: No Need to Delay Pregnancy After Miscarriage.” WebMD. WebMD, 10 Aug. 2010. Web. 17 Jan. 2016. <http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20100805/study-no-need-delay-pregnancy-after-miscarriage>
Danielsson, Krissi. “How to Make Sense of Those Scary Miscarriage Statistics.” About.com Health. About.com, 10 Dec. 2014. Web. 16 Jan. 2016. <http://miscarriage.about.com/od/riskfactors/a/miscarriage-statistics.htm>
“After a Miscarriage: Physical Recovery – American Pregnancy.” American Pregnancy Association. 1 Aug. 2015. Web. 17 Jan. 2016. <http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-loss/physical-recovery-after-miscarriage/>