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Although a miscarriage can happen later in a pregnancy, most of the time it happens during the first 12 weeks. Sometimes it happens even before the person knows they're pregnant.
There are several reasons that a miscarriage can happen, although in most cases the reason for a particular miscarriage is not identified by the doctor.
Usually, it is not caused by anything the pregnant person has done. Rather, it tends to happen because of abnormal chromosomes in the baby.
Since the topic of miscarriage is not often discussed, people tend not to realize how common it is. Globally, around 23 million miscarriages occur each year.
The definition of miscarriage varies slightly from country to country. In general, however, the term is used to describe the loss of a pregnancy in the first 23 weeks.
Despite the fact that it's relatively common, pregnancy loss doesn't get talked about a lot. In general, people are familiar with the physical concept of a miscarriage, but the emotional repercussions often get swept under the rug.
Indeed, suffering a miscarriage can be very taxing on the body, and it is important for anyone who thinks they may be experiencing symptoms to seek urgent medical attention. However, people often forget that miscarriage can also be very emotionally draining, and it can cause complicated feelings of grief that many feel unable to discuss.
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Chromosomes are best thought of as the building blocks that guide the development of the baby. If there are too many or too few, the baby will not develop properly, and this can result in miscarriage.
Most of the time, miscarriage is a one-off event, and most people who experience them can go on to have a successful pregnancy in the future.
For example, some people may find it comforting to talk about what they are going through, while others may find the topic too painful to discuss.
Similarly, for some people the grieving process may last only a few weeks, after which they may feel ready to move forward and start planning their next pregnancy.
For other people, the thought of planning another pregnancy may continue to be too painful for a much longer period. It all depends on the individual.
For people in relationships, it is important to remember that your partner may also be experiencing feelings of grief, and it helps to be as open as possible about how you're feeling.
Men in particular can find it difficult to express how they're feeling, especially when they feel a strong sense of responsibility to be looking after their partner.
It is important, too, that people do not blame themselves for feeling a certain way. Negative feelings such as guilt or anger towards others are common, and will pass.
When it comes to dealing with feelings of grief after a miscarriage, some people find it helpful to do something in remembrance of their unborn baby.
In many cases it is possible to arrange a memorial and burial service for the baby, if the parents want one and feel it would be helpful for their healing process.
There is still a long way to go when it comes to understanding how best to support people going through and recovering from miscarriage. However, increased awareness is a great place to start.
Sources: (APA) (WHO) (NHS)
See also: Pregnancy myths people still believe
Meanwhile, there are individuals campaigning for an improvement in the care that people are offered after suffering a miscarriage.
In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a review into the psychological aftercare that is offered in the event of a miscarriage.
While it concluded that there was not enough evidence to offer psychological support to everyone in this situation, it did suggest offering follow-up appointments to people considered to be at high risk of developing mental illness as a result.
It is possible to arrange this at certain hospitals and clinics. Individuals can sometimes arrange to have a burial at home, if they prefer.
Another option is cremation, and this can be performed either at the hospital or the local crematorium. Not all crematoriums offer this service, however.
The emotional impact of miscarriage
A topic that is unfortunately still taboo
HEALTH Loss
Despite the fact that it's relatively common, pregnancy loss doesn't get talked about a lot. In general, people are familiar with the physical concept of a miscarriage, but the emotional repercussions often get swept under the rug.
Indeed, suffering a miscarriage can be very taxing on the body, and it is important for anyone who thinks they may be experiencing symptoms to seek urgent medical attention. However, people often forget that miscarriage can also be very emotionally draining, and it can cause complicated feelings of grief that many feel unable to discuss.
Check out this gallery to find out more.