Awareness of Pregnancy Loss and Its Impact On Women's Mental Health
Introduction
Pregnancy loss is a significant issue that affects a significant number of women, with statistics showing that 15% of pregnancies end in loss. This can have a severe impact on mental health, with up to 29% of women who experience pregnancy loss also experiencing issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Even with treatment, 24% of these women are at risk for major depression. In the United States, African American women with high parity are at the double the risk for major depression than non-Black women. To address this issue, it is recommended that all women be screened for depression during and after pregnancy, particularly those who have experienced pregnancy loss.
In this blog, we will explore the basics of pregnancy loss and its impact on women's mental health and well-being in order to raise awareness and understanding of this issue.
What is Pregnancy Loss?
Pregnancy loss, also known as fetal loss, refers to the loss of an unborn baby at any stage before birth. This includes both miscarriages, which occur before 20 weeks of pregnancy, and stillbirths, which occur after 20 weeks of gestation but before birth. The majority of pregnancy losses are caused by genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. However, women with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, large uterine fibroids, or suspected molar pregnancies, may also be at a higher risk of pregnancy loss.
Current Management of Pregnancy Loss
There are three main options for managing pregnancy loss: Expectant, Medical, and Surgical.
Expectant management involves waiting for the pregnancy to end naturally. Medical management involves taking medication to end the pregnancy, while surgical management involves a procedure to remove the non-viable gestational tissue.
For women whose physical condition is stable and who do not have other risk factors for bleeding or infection, expectant management can be a viable option, especially if they are in the early stages of pregnancy. However, if the woman is in the second trimester, medical or surgical management is usually recommended by healthcare providers for better outcomes. Women with a previous history of pregnancy loss may also opt for medical or surgical management to avoid waiting.
Medical management, which is typically performed using the medications Mifepristone and Misoprostol, has been approved and has shown good outcomes for pregnancy loss. Surgical management, on the other hand, can remove the non-viable gestational sac within 15 minutes, with a high success rate and quicker recovery time.
My story of pregnancy loss
As the mother of two adult children, I experienced an early pregnancy loss in my life. The experience was devastating and left me feeling a range of negative emotions, such as lack, inadequacy, failure, unworthiness, shame, and even guilt. It was particularly difficult when I compared myself to my friends and others who had successful pregnancies.
A year later, I tried to conceive again, but I had negative pregnancy tests every time for almost two years. The experience left me feeling like I had lost confidence and faith in my ability to have a successful pregnancy.
I was desperately seeking support from a community where I could openly talk about my negative emotions related to my miscarriage without fear of judgment. I wanted to connect with other women who had similar experiences. However, I was unable to find such a community.
I turned to read my medical books to try and understand the root cause of my miscarriage, but I did not find clear answers or effective ways to manage my mental issues. Instead, the psychological pain I was experiencing only grew worse. I began to feel like there was something wrong with my body and that I was not meant to have a baby or be a mother. The emotional burden I was carrying was taking a toll on my relationships.
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My awakening
As I struggled with the emotional pain from my pregnancy loss, I found myself questioning my identity, the reason for my suffering, and my future aspirations. I sought to expand my understanding beyond conventional medicine and midwifery, and I turned to study Functional Medicine, Neuro-linguistic programming, Life and Health Coaching, and Spirituality.
Through this new learning, I came to understand that our mind, body, and spirit are all interconnected. In order to address my negative emotions, I needed to first shift my self-perception and cultivate a positive mindset. I began to explore spirituality and let go of negative thoughts. Through spiritual practices, I regained confidence and well-being in my ability to have a successful pregnancy. Four months later, I was blessed with the news of a successful pregnancy and gave birth to my first child.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the experience of my pregnancy loss led me to discover my true purpose and allowed me to grow spiritually. I am now dedicated to supporting women who have experienced childbirth-related trauma through the creation of Childbirth Collective, a global community for healing and empowerment. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for women to connect, heal, and live their lives with joy and purpose.
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Reference: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pregnancy-loss
