Counselling for Miscarriage and Stillbirth
Pregnancy loss, either through a Miscarriage counseling or a stillbirth is one of the most heartbreaking experiences of adult life. Miscarriage is the term used when a pregnancy is lost before 20 weeks; after 20 weeks, it is called a stillbirth. Between 10-20 percent of known pregnancies are lost this way, yet it is not widely spoken about. The emotional pain is not widely understood, and can feel deeply isolating to the grieving parents.
What is a Miscarriage and Stillbirth?
A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. Often, it occurs because the developing embryo is not viable. Most miscarriages take place before a woman recognizes she is pregnant, and they are almost never caused by something a mother did or didn’t do. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a miscarriage counseling and a regular period.
Common Causes Of A Pregnancy Loss
Pregnancy loss is often a multi-factoral phenomena. Very often there is no clear answer as to what caused the foetus to stop being viable. Medical possibilities include:
The fact that the exact reason for the loss is not always knowable adds to the frustration, and fears for future pregnancies. It is important to know that one miscarriage doesn’t always mean more will follow.
What Are Common Misconceptions Around Pregnancy Loss?
Miscarriage and stillbirth are never caused by exercise, lifting, sexual intercourse, emotional stress, food choices or minor falls. Parents often feel guilty and blame themselves, but the loss is almost always beyond anyone’s control. Unfortunately, misplaced guilt is often a big part of the Pregnancy counselling Singapore loss experience, and it is important to work this through in counselling or psychological therapy if these feelings become overwhelming.
Symptoms of Miscarriage
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Passing tissue or clots
- Sudden loss of pregnancy symptoms
- Decreased or absent fetal movements
- Absence of fetal heartbeat, confirmed by ultrasound
What Are the Emotional Impacts of Pregnancy Loss?
Pregnancy loss can trigger a wide range of feelings from sadness, guilt, and anger to anxiety, fear, and numbness. Some parents feel disconnected, while others grieve intensely the loss of a much wanted child.
Your response is unique, and it is valid. Grief can come in waves and may affect your relationships, daily functioning, or sense of identity. Parents describe feeling physically okay, and going about their business, only to be triggered by the sight of a child on a train, or a reminder of the life they had planned to have. Some get caught up in feelings related to having their body “fail” them, or guilt and shame around not being able to give their partner or wider family the much desired child.
Emotional recovery is just as important as the physical healing, and seeking professional support through psychological therapy or counselling can ease the journey. Therapy can help couples grieving a lost child work through their complex emotions, and ease the long-term suffering from this loss. For some couples, IVF becomes the next step, and counselling or therapy can be invaluable through this particular journey to parenthood.
What Are Some Healthy Ways to Cope with Miscarriage and Stillbirth?
Allow for your emotions
Allow yourself to feel whatever arises; there is no “right way” to grieve.
Be kind to yourself
Rest when you need to. Avoid self-blame. Pregnancy counselling Singapore loss is never your fault.
Talk to Your Partner
Partners may grieve differently but your partner is the only one who is likely to feel the loss as greatly as you.. Open conversation will keep you connected through the pain.
Create a Personal Ritual
Lighting a candle, writing a letter, or even making a memory box can help honor your baby and your grief.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
Eat well, stay hydrated, and do what your doctor recommends for physical recovery.
Seek Support
Talking to a counselor, joining a support group, depression therapy Singapore or sharing with trusted friends can help you feel less alone with your sometimes intense feelings.
Need Help For Yourself or Someone You Care About?
Reach out to understand how we can help.