Miscarriage
Unfortunately, not every pregnancy goes as hoped. A miscarriage is a deeply moving experience that has a significant impact, both physically and mentally. Although a miscarriage cannot be prevented, you never have to go through this alone. We are here for you.
"You don’t have to go through this alone; we’re here to offer support, advice and a listening ear."
What happens in your body
Miscarriages are more common than you might think; around one in ten pregnancies ends prematurely. Usually, the cause is a genetic disorder or a chromosomal abnormality at the time of conception, which prevents the embryo from developing further. It is a biological twist of fate over which you have no control.
It is important to know that physical exertion, exercise or a fall are never the cause of a miscarriage. The experience is different for everyone and can range from mild cramps to heavy bleeding. Do you think something might be wrong, or are you feeling uncertain? Please feel free to ring us at any time 06 5354 8631. We’re here to support you and work with you to figure out the next steps.
Space for your emotions
A miscarriage is often referred to as a ‘silent loss’. Because it often happens early in pregnancy, those around you may not yet know about it, which can make you feel even more isolated. Take the time to come to terms with this loss and be kind to yourself. You have not only been through a physical ordeal, but have also had to let go of a dream for the future.
Ensuring peace and confidence together For us, this also means that we’re there for you when times are tough. Do you need to talk things through afterwards, or are you looking for ways to come to terms with this loss? Just let us know; we’d be happy to offer you the space and support you need right now.
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Frequently asked questions about miscarriage
How do you know if you’re having a miscarriage?
A miscarriage can feel similar to having your period. You may experience some abdominal pain and light bleeding, which gets worse as time goes on. The pain or cramping is felt in the lower part of your abdomen and/or back. A miscarriage can start gradually, but you may also experience heavy bleeding and abdominal pain straight away.
It may also be the case that you have no symptoms, but discover during an ultrasound scan that the pregnancy has come to an end. In that case, no heartbeat can be seen (anymore).
How long does a miscarriage last?
In most cases, the foetus is spontaneously expelled within two to four weeks of growth ceasing. It may also take longer, but from a medical point of view, this is not harmful. Discuss with your midwife how long you would like to wait for the natural process to take its course.
From the moment you start experiencing bleeding and abdominal cramps, it usually takes a few days before you lose the foetus. After that, the bleeding stops within a few days to a week.
How long does it take to recover physically after a miscarriage?
Following a spontaneous miscarriage, a medically induced miscarriage or a curettage, physical recovery is usually straightforward. You may still experience some bleeding and brown discharge for about 1 to 2 weeks. Once the bleeding has stopped, your body will have recovered sufficiently to become pregnant again. It is no more difficult to become pregnant again after a miscarriage
What are the options for a maternity ward?
- Wait until you start bleeding naturally. Sometimes it takes a while for your body to respond to the miscarriage. This is the most natural course of events.
- Inducing a miscarriage with medication. We will refer you to a gynaecologist. They will prescribe the medication. You will usually be given a tablet to insert into your vagina. You can do this yourself at home, or it can be done in hospital. If the medication works, you will usually start bleeding after one or two days. After that, the process continues in the same way as with a miscarriage that starts naturally.
- Curettage. This is a short procedure carried out in hospital. The gynaecologist uses a thin suction tube to remove the foetus from the womb. You will be given a light anaesthetic and the procedure takes 10–15 minutes. The disadvantage of a curettage is that adhesions may form in the womb. If this happens, it may be more difficult to become pregnant again. There is also a slightly higher risk of miscarriage, premature birth and a retained placenta in a subsequent pregnancy. In such cases, the placenta does not come out naturally after the birth.
When will I be able to get pregnant again?
Once the bleeding has stopped, the body has recovered sufficiently to become pregnant again. It is no more difficult to become pregnant again after a miscarriage.