TOP TAKE-AWAY: MANAGING FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS IN PREGNANCIES FOLLOWING LOSS

It is widely assumed that when a woman who has experienced a miscarriage becomes pregnant again, everything will be fine, but that is not always the case. Women must be able to resolve the trauma associated with their prior miscarriage(s) in order to fully engage in their new pregnancy. This article discussed five common strategies women who have experienced pregnancy loss often use to manage their emotions in subsequent pregnancies.


1. Distancing herself from her pregnancy - Naturally, when a woman discovers she is pregnant, she prepares to become a mother mentally and physically. Because of this, expecting mothers who have experienced pregnancy loss in the past may distance themselves from their pregnancy as a defense mechanism to prevent feeling disappointment.

2. Focusing on her pregnancy symptoms - Knowing that early pregnancy symptoms are occurring and consistent provide a sense of confirmation. Focusing on pregnancy symptoms is a security blanket expecting mothers will tend to rely on to manage their anxiety.

3. Asking for an ultrasound examination - Asking for an ultrasound examination is the only truly reliable way to confirm a healthy pregnancy in the early stages. Experiencing the ultrasound examination confirming the development of a healthy fetus can bring reassurance, confidence, and inner peace. However, the ultrasound examination is just a temporary relief and women may return later, believing they are in need of another examination.

4. Searching for confirming information - Searching for confirming information fills the desire to confirm the present pregnancy is proceeding normally. This is done by reading related books and online materials to assure that their symptoms are not a cause for concern.

5. Asking for professional and social support - Many women have a strong desire to talk to someone but most struggle with not knowing to whom to turn. Talking with and confiding in other women who have experienced miscarriage and then become pregnant again proves to be a popular outlet for expecting mothers. They realize they are not alone and their worries and concerns can be sympathized and validated which makes them easier to manage during subsequent pregnancies.

There are many strategies women use in dealing with pregnancies following loss, some more helpful than others. Support and confirmation are among the most valuable strategies in providing encouragement throughout a subsequent pregnancy.

Andersson, I., Nilsson, S., & Adolfsson, A. (2012). How women who have experienced one or more miscarriages manage their feelings and emotions when they become pregnant again—A qualitative interview study. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 26(2), 262–270. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6712.2011.00927.x