Recurrent miscarriages, where women experience multiple miscarriages, affect around 1% of women. While all miscarriages have a psychological impact, recurrent miscarriages may come with an additional layer of psychological distress. The frequency of miscarriage makes it more personal to women - they may feel like it’s their fault and that they will never have a successful pregnancy.
Many women who experience recurrent miscarriages find themselves using avoidant coping as a response to high levels of stress. Avoidant coping is when you try not to think about the situation and try to not have negative feelings impact you. In general, avoidant coping is considered a less adaptive form of coping; however, many women who have experienced recurrent miscarriage find it helpful, particularly in the short-term.
One way that women may use avoidant coping after recurrent miscarriage is to prevent themselves from getting attached during later pregnancies. Because they are afraid of having another miscarriage, they prevent themselves from getting attached and them potentially having to experience anxiety during the pregnancy and sadness if they were to experience another miscarriage.
The use of avoidance coping is often short term. With the passing of time, avoidance coping often decreases. However, if you find you’re using avoidant coping in the short term after you miscarriage, you should know that you are not alone.
Rowsell, E., Jongman, G., Kilby, M., Kirchmeier, R., & Orford, J. (2001). The psychological impact of recurrent miscarriage, and the role of counselling at a pre-pregnancy counselling clinic. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 19(1),33–45. https://doi-org.holyfamily.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/02646830020032383
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