Understanding Miscarriage: Recovery

Your body has had a shock to its system. Because of this, you may not feel well for a few days. Your body is going through changes, and you can expect emotional swings. When you feel ready, start back to your normal routine.

The miscarriage has caused a sudden drop in your hormone levels. This is likely to produce mood swings or make your emotions even more extreme. Stress and lack of sleep can also affect your moods. As your body returns to normal, these mood swings should lessen.

You are the best judge of how you feel. Do only as much as you feel up to. Also be sure to follow your doctor's directions. Keep the following in mind:

• Return to work or your daily routines when you feel ready. This might be right away, or you may want to wait a few days.
• Take showers instead of tub baths. This helps prevent infection. Your doctor will tell you when you can take baths again.
• Don't do strenuous exercise, such as aerobics or running, until the bleeding slows to the rate of a normal period.
• Wait to have sex, and don't use tampons until your doctor says it's okay.
• Do not douche.

Recognize your need to talk. Ask for support when you want it. And accept help when it's offered. Although sharing thoughts with your partner is vital, you may also feel like talking with other family members or friends.

The real experts on miscarriage are those who have gone through it. Because miscarriage is so common, it's likely that someone close to you has had one. If you are willing to share your experience with others, you may begin to see that you're not alone in experiencing such a loss.

You may find it easier to talk to people who are not family or friends. If so, you could talk to a counselor or join a support group. For more information, go online to one of these programs:

• Share Prenancy & Infant Loss Support at nationalshare.org
• Pregnancy Loss Support Program at pregnancyloss.org

You can also call the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You continue to have no interest in eating or are not able to sleep.
• Your depression does not decrease. Or you get more upset.