Grief After Pregnancy Loss

No one ever expects to experience a pregnancy loss. But unfortunately, it’s a reality that many couples have to face. If you’re struggling to come to terms with your loss, you’re not alone. The grief process is different for everyone, but there are five stages that are commonly experienced — denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

It’s important to understand that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. There is no timeline for how long each stage should last, and most importantly, there is no shame in seeking professional help or joining a support group. Grief can be a very difficult journey to go through alone. Lean on your loved ones, take time for yourself, and don’t hesitate to get the help you need.

The 5 Stages of Grief After Pregnancy Loss

Denial and Isolation

After losing a pregnancy, it is common to feel numb and in shock. Think of this as your mind’s way of protecting you from the pain. You may try to pretend that the pregnancy never happened, or avoid talking about it altogether. It’s important to give yourself time to grieve in your own way and at your own pace.

Anger

It is perfectly normal to feel angry after a pregnancy loss. You may be angry at yourself, your partner, your friends, or your family. It’s important to express your anger in a healthy way though, such as by writing in a journal or talking to a trusted friend or therapist.

Bargaining

During this stage, you may find yourself bargaining in an attempt to undo the pregnancy loss. You may also find yourself making promises that you’ll do something important if you can just get your baby back. Remember that you did nothing wrong and there is nothing you could have done to prevent the loss.

Depression

During this stage of grief, it’s normal to feel sad, depressed, or hopeless. You may have trouble eating and sleeping and may lose interest in activities that you used to enjoy. If you are struggling during this stage, it’s important to seek professional help. You may need medication or more intensive therapy if you become clinically depressed.

Acceptance

In this final stage of grief, you begin to come to terms with the loss and start to rebuild your life without the baby. You may still have good days and bad days, but overall you are beginning to heal.

How to Cope with Grief After a Pregnancy Loss

Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling to cope with grief after a pregnancy loss, one place to turn is a mental health professional. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance as you navigate pregnancy loss. If you’re not ready to see a therapist, consider talking to your doctor about your feelings. They can offer resources and referrals to help you get the support you need.

Join a Support Group

Another way to cope with grief is by joining a support group. This can be an invaluable resource for sharing your experiences and connecting with others who understand what you’re going through. There are many online and in-person groups available, so find one that feels right for you.

Lean on Your Loved Ones

Your loved ones can be a great source of support if you have strong, healthy ties with your family. Lean on them for emotional or practical assistance, whether it’s just having someone to talk to or help around the house. Let them know how they can best support you so they’re not guessing at what to do.

Take Time for Yourself

You should also make some kind of effort to take care of yourself both emotionally and physically after a loss. Try to eat healthier foods, exercise every day if you can, and get enough sleep. Take some time each day to do something that makes you happy, even if it’s just reading a book or taking a walk outdoors. Grief can be exhausting, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to rest and heal.

Contact Viera Fertility Center

If you’ve suffered a pregnancy loss, you’ll go through many different stages of grief. They’re not linear and it’s normal to take several steps back to a previous stage before moving on to another. Remember that it’s okay to seek professional help, join a support group, and lean on your loved ones for support. Contact us today to learn how Viera Fertility Center can help you realize your dreams of becoming pregnant. Call Viera Fertility Center now at (321) 751-4673.