• image.alt
  • With Mayo Clinic certified nurse-midwife

    Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.

    read biography
The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now
  • Pregnancy and you blog

  • March 12, 2008

    Miscarriage brings silent anguish

    By Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.

246 comments posted

Almost 25 percent of all pregnancies are lost to miscarriage, for many reasons. I'm not going to go through them here. What I want to talk about is what happens to those 25 out of 100 women who lose their baby.

When we discover that we are pregnant, we don't think of zygotes, embryos or fetuses. We think of babies. We think of sons and daughters. We start planning the minute we know we're pregnant. So when a woman miscarries she loses a baby. It doesn't matter if she is 7 weeks or 15 weeks.

The feeling of loss is real and it is painful. Some women feel guilty. If they hadn't done this or that the baby wouldn't have died. Maybe they weren't real excited when they first found out, but became accustomed and more positive. She can feel that it is punishment for her initial negative feeling. We need to let go of that guilt.

Whether or not the pregnancy is going to make it is determined in many ways the minute the sperm and egg unite. There is little a woman can do to cause a miscarriage. It happens because it was meant to. That doesn't make the pain any less.

People will often say things that are hurtful without meaning to. "Thank goodness you weren't further along." "You're young, you can have another." Things to that effect. Then there are the people who won't talk to you about it because they don't know what to say. You know women who are due when you would be due. You see baby clothes you would have bought. Your due date comes and you cry through the whole day, in private, in silence.

It is only after you have a miscarriage that you find out how many other women have suffered a miscarriage. We just don't talk about it with anyone. This is when the silence can end. These women know your sorrow, your loss. Talk to women who know your sorrow and loss, and share your feelings. You can do it here, or on other sites just for women who have lost babies. You will find a community of women who understand.

246 comments posted

blog index
  • May 14, 2013 3:50 p.m.

    How common is it to have a second miscarriage. I am trying to get pregnant again, but I just found out a good friend of mine had her 4th miscarriage. I cannot imagine. Do most women go on to have healthy pregnancies after a loss?

    - Kelly

  • May 1, 2013 1:08 p.m.

    I had my first miscarriage in Jan. this year(2013) and then my second one in April this year (2013). I am 39 years old and this was my first pregnancys. I really want a baby bad but cant seem to be able to carry a baby. My progestrones levels dropped really low and thus caused the miscarriages. Any suggestions as to meds or natural meds I could take to help with this?

    - chas

  • April 18, 2013 8:43 p.m.

    Betsy, It is so hard to go on, and even harder to think that you have to. The first few months are going to be the hardest, especially with your first, but it will get easier with time. Just take time off for yourself, spend time with your hubby and keep your chin up. One day the time will be right. Ive lost 3 babies, and still don't have one. I question my beliefs every day, but have to remind myself there is a bigger picture and I am just in this for the ride. Hang in there! Check out my blog of my journey through this horrible, horrible thing. Best wishes. http://anotherangelinheaven.blogspot.com/

    - Kristine

  • April 17, 2013 9:55 p.m.

    I missed my period on WednesdayI found out I was pregnant on Thursday, though I knew I was for at least 1 1/2weeks due to morning sickness, engorged breast, and browning nipples. The positive hpt was thrilling but for some reason that was the first day I didn't feel sick... I thought maybe my body was settling into the hormones early. On Friday I had some cramping but no bleeding and no morning sickness. I thought weird but normal right? Saturday I went to the bathroom in the morning to find heavy spotting. Started cramping and picking up bleeding so went to the ER. The doctor told me I was never pregnant, had a false positive ( though I knew that was bs) and everything was normal, go home. Went home had severe bleeding through the night . The next day I didn't feel right, kept getting light headed. In the afternoon I went into shock and rode in an ambulance to the ER... I'm doing ok now but very sad. Though I was only 4 wks pregnant I was so excited. We only tried the one time and now I am terrified to try again. I know I eventually will because my husband loves babies so much and I want to give that to him but I am terrified of loosing another one... Any tips for how to move on to try again?

    - Betsy

  • April 15, 2013 4:31 p.m.

    Kelly, baby aspirin may be recommended for very specific conditions. You would need to talk to your health care provider before starting any aspirin containing product.

    - Mary @ Mayo

  • April 11, 2013 8:15 a.m.

    I keep reading stuff about how taking a baby aspirin a day can help cut down your risk of miscarriage. Is this true?? Is it worth a try??

    - Kelly

  • April 6, 2013 10:51 p.m.

    @ Marcy, I am so sorry you had to go through that. About a week after I lost my baby, someone else close to me lost their grandbaby to miscarriage at 21 weeks. It is so devastating and at first it feels like you cant go on. There is I know how you feel about wanting a child but knowing you may never have your own. Hang in there.

    - Kristine

  • April 6, 2013 10:48 p.m.

    @ Angela, Unfortunately I have been to many doctors. But I have a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes my blood to clot. In pregnancy the increase in hormones causes your blood to clot even more. So my whole pregnancy I have to be on blood thinner injections to my belly to prevent from clotting off to the baby. But I also have high blood pressure so the two is not a good mix for me. I am 27, and I feel like the closer I get to 30 the less my chances with all my chronic issues. I am going to see the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist in May and we will see what they say. Ive had genetic counseling, they said everything is normal. All "autopsies" of my babies shows no deformities etc, just probably clotted off the placenta. It was so hard to lose our son at 16 weeks, I thought I was doing so well. I don't know if I can go through it again , but yet what if the next time works out?

    - Kristine

  • April 5, 2013 9:13 p.m.

    @Kelly & Kristine, I just had a D&E at 21 weeks. My doc/surgeon told me to wait two weeks before I could have sex again, or put anything inside my vagina. I had my folo up appointment yesterday and she said I'm all clear after a quick check up. She also said to wait for one menstrual cycle before trying again. But, because this was my second loss (I also miscarried at 10 weeks prior to this pregnancy) she suggested I go through genetic counseling because this pregnancy had to be terminated because my baby had a "severe and fatal case of Downs Syndrome." Oh, did I mention I'm 37 and have no children? The docs keep telling me that the "numbers are in my favor" that this won't happen a third time, but it just doesn't feel true.

    - Mercy

  • March 29, 2013 1:24 p.m.

    Kristine and Kelly, I totally understand how you feel as I am in the same boat. I do have two children, they are 18 and 14 and I will be 37 soon but I have such a desire to be a mom again and my boys want a little sister. I have had two miscarriages and my doctor says that my age plays a big part, I never miscarried before. I know that there is really no explanation for miscarriages but they are hard to deal with. I think the emotional pain was worse than the physical pain. A friend of mine told me about a condition that has to do with the Rh factor in the woman, I did speak to my doctor about it but that was not the issue. Here is a link to the page and it will explainit a little better http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/rhfactor-2.html Also, I spoke with my doctor and since this was my second miscarriage we have come up with a plan for the next time around. I have decided to try one more time. She advised me to keep taking the prenatals because it is a good source of vitamins and also to start an asprin regimen (one baby asprin a day). Once I become pregnant again, she wants to know right away and she is going to start me on Progesterone. I don't know if you ladies have spoken with your doctors about a plan but maybe you can discuss this. I wish both of you the best and I pray that you get your little blessings. Stay strong

    - Angela

  • March 21, 2013 10:08 p.m.

    Kelly, I am in the same thoughts as you. I sit and wonder if the next one doesn't work out will I be able to try for a 5th time?! I still have no children, and trying for the 4th time is so scary. I hate it when everyone askes, oh are you so excited?! I hate to say no, Im terrified but nobody who hasn't been through it doesn't understand.

    - Kristine

  • March 21, 2013 10:18 a.m.

    I recently had a missed miscarried. We will wait at least until I have one normal cycle to start trying again. maybe longer depending on how I am doing emotionally. I really can't even begin to comprehend how I will deal with the anxiety that will come with being pregnant again. I feel like I have been robbed of ever having the "normal pregnancy" feelings. When I think ahead to being pregnant again, I don't feel any excitement, just fear. I want to be a mother, so I know that we will try again, but I don't know how to get to a point where I could feel that another pregnancy would not just be filled with fear and worry.

    - kelly

  • March 20, 2013 9:22 a.m.

    I miscarried in Dec of 2011 at about 6 weeks. I juft found out that I was pregnant on March 6th and was happy and scared at the same time. I am now about 6 weeks and I have started spotting again so I am pretty sure what this means for me. I am devastated and I don't know what to do. I want to break down and I know I can't prevent the inevitable. I so badly want to have another baby and at the age of 36 I am starting to think that it is just not going to happen for me. I am hoping and praying for the best but I have to prepare for the worst.

    - Angela

  • March 18, 2013 11:47 p.m.

    Monica, I'm glad your are feeling better and ready for this pregnancy. Keep us posted on how things are doing.

    - Mary@Mayo

  • March 18, 2013 11:46 p.m.

    I usually advise women to wait until their bleeding has stopped before resuming sexual activity. You can find different recommendations for how long to wait for getting pregnant again. I suggest you wait at least until after you have one period. Keep taking prenatal vitamins. Also, give yourself time to heal from your loss. You will be worried or anxious with the next pregnancy so be sure you are ready for that.

    - Mary@Mayo

  • March 14, 2013 10:42 p.m.

    @ Kelly - I just had d & E @ 16 weeks and they said no sex for 6 weeks, and you can try again in 3 months.

    - Kristine

  • March 14, 2013 10:40 p.m.

    @ Brittany I have the same exact disorder. I don't have the SLE, "diagnosed" but I have the antibody. I just lost my 3rd baby. Im 26. I was on Lovenox the first and second time, the third time I was on Heparin shots. I would love to keep in contact with you while you go through your next attempt if you so decide. Im curious about what your doctor has in mind to make it successful....

    - Kristine

  • March 14, 2013 11:39 a.m.

    I recently had a D&C due to a missed miscarriage. It has been very difficult. I am interested in trying again, but I am getting conflicting messages on when we can start trying again?? Does anyone know??

    - Kelly

  • March 7, 2013 6:51 p.m.

    @Mary- I am doing much better now after my miscarriage back in December. I don't feel so hopeless. I very much understand what all the ladies on this site are going through and I'm so sorry it has to happen to anyone! I am pregnant again and very happy but apprehensive. I just found out yesterday. I'll be five weeks this Sat., and it seems I'm already finding things to worry about... such as did I exercise too vigorously today? I felt fine and didn't think I was pushing myself but what if I did and I caused another miscarriage? I don't think I would have the strength to go through another one! My heart goes out to all of you ladies that have had multiple miscarriages. I'm so sorry for your loss.

    - Monica

  • March 4, 2013 10:27 p.m.

    I have had 4 miscarriages in two years i am 25 years old...each one never reached past 6 weeks my last pregnancy ended at 6 but i carried till almost my 9th week...i underwent some tests i tested positive for lupus anticoagulant antibodies and i do not have systemic or systematic lupus. I am still undergoing some tests to make sure nothing else is adding to the cause of my miscarriages...but once it is all done the infertility specialist is confident with treatment i will never have to go through another loss...even though the news i received eased my mind it didnt make the pain of the loss go away i did everything i was supposed to but was helpless to save my children...and im still dealing with the loss and its been almost 6 months since i had the d and c...if u have reoccurant losses get tested.

    - Brittany

  • March 2, 2013 11:02 p.m.

    I just thought I would share my blog about my pregnancy loss. I don't know if anyone is interested, but it may be helpful for those of you who wonder if life will ever go on. http://anotherangelinheaven.blogspot.com/

    - Kristine

  • February 16, 2013 3:46 p.m.

    Im so sorry for your loss Kelly JO. My story is underneath yours. I lost our son at 17 weeks. Its the worst feeling in the world, and nobody should ever have to endure that. I literally had to labor, and deliver :( It wasn't anything you did, trust me you can ask yourself a million questions and never get the answer. Im told to hang on to my faith. NOthing will ease the pain but time. Hang in there

    - Kristine

  • February 12, 2013 2:09 p.m.

    At ten weeks pregnant and on our second anniversary trip I began spotting lightly. My doctor said it was not uncommon but to head to the ER if I felt crampy. The next day I started passing small clots. Again doc felt I was OK because there was no abdominal or side pain. The next morning I was awaken by sharp cramps & bleeding. By the time we arrived at the ER I was doubled over. The pain was so intense I accepted a Morphine injection, which did nothing to dull the cramps. They took viles upon viles of blood, did both a tummy and vaginal ultrasound, but found no baby or intestinal pregnancy. The amount of blood that came out of me and intesity of pain was mind-blowing. I was raised in a family of boys, was the only girl and the youngest; I'm usually not a whiner and handle injury very well. The pain was well and beyond anything I've ever experienced. Now I want to know why this happened. I did everything right: no alcohol, drugs or no-no's, exercised, ate well, took prenatal vitamins, the works. Is it because we had sex? Or because I'm 35? Or from changing Kitty litter, even wearing a mask? Was it the warm bath I enjoyed? I have so many questions, but it seems like there are no answers. Now it's a day later and I've been given pain meds for my super sore midsection. I was told "this happens" and "your body did what it had to do." But, I'm sorry, that's not good enough. I want to know why this happened & why it was so over-the-top painful!

    - Kelly Jo

  • February 2, 2013 8:11 p.m.

    I am so glad I found this site. I felt like I was the only one who felt this way. I just had a miscarriage at 16 weeks on 1/29/13 :( The week prior my blood pressure had been going up, and I just didn't feel right. I made an appointment with my OB, and after the apt about my BP and stress he said "lets check out baby". He was unable to find a heartbeat, took me to ultrasound, and I saw our baby so much bigger than the 1- week appointment, but I didn't see any movement. I instantly knew. I had literally just dreamt this on Saturday. this was Monday evening. ... I had just lost my 3rd baby. I am very high risk because I have a blood clotting disorder and hypertension. Ive had 3 blood clots, an ovary removed, and two previous fetal loss'. The first was at 13 weeks, just not able to pick up heartbeat. The second times was 6 weeks along. We found out this time the the umbilical cord was twisted in a knot, depriving our son of oxygen and nutrients. I instantly thought It was something I did. They had to induce labor the night of the 28th, and by 9:45 am I was literally laboring. My husband and mother in law went and saw him in the nursery. My husband said he instantly regretted it. I think it hurt him very bad. He didn't want me to see him, he said it would be too hard. I feel so lost, I sit and sob as I put my pregnancy books away, along the memory box from the hospital. Do we try one last time? I was halfway there and under great supervision. I think this was just

    - Kristine

  • January 4, 2013 12:02 p.m.

    Monica, I think you will feel anxious with your next pregnancy. You have experienced loss and will not take your body for granted. It is very normal to feel that way. It won't be a sign of things to come or a warning of impending loss. Plan in advance for these feelings. Maybe an early visit with your health care provider will give you some reassurance. Learn and practice relaxation techniques. Reach out to other women who have experienced a pregnancy loss. Let us know how you are doing please.

    - Mary@Mayo

Post a comment
Next page
  • Print
  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger