When we find out we are pregnant, we are usually bursting to tell the world. There are however some considerations you need to look at, as a couple. The reality is that at a loss of a pregnancy other peoples optimism can be hard to bear.
When we find out we are pregnant, we are usually bursting to tell the world. There are however some considerations you need to look at, as a couple. The reality is that at a loss of a pregnancy other peoples optimism can be hard to bear.
It is always best to wait until you have passed your third trimester, 12 weeks, or until your first scan before you announce your pregnancy. You might feel invincible, healthy and strong, but the sad truth is that between 20-25% of pregnancies do not go beyond the first trimester. Don't forget that the chances of your pregnancy going full term is larger that a miscarriage, so don't let worry stress you. You will probably be overly sensitive and emotional during the first trimester without adding worry to it.
A good rule of thumb is not to tell anyone that you will uncomfortable with if you have to tell them of a miscarriage. You will need people for support during the good times, especially during the emotional rides your hormones will take you on, and on the possible bad times, if you happen to miscarriage. Don't tell everyone, if your pregnancy is interrupted you will time and time again have to face other people's happy congratulations.
Most women have gone through an interrupted pregnancy without even realising it. These pregnancies go unnoticed since they usually coincide with a period and are a form of spontaneous miscarriage where the body perceives the foetus to be failing or defective. It is important to remember that it is a normal occurrence and not to start blaming yourself. Also, once a miscarriage has started there is nothing you can do to prevent it. No amount of rest is going to reverse the process, but you will need to mind yourself and also take the time to grieve, in your own way.
Signs of a miscarriage
There are a few signs to watch out for if you think you might be miscarrying.
Bleeding and/or spotting - is not a good sign in any pregnancy, but it does not necessarily mean that you might be miscarrying. Many women can bleed through out their pregnancy and still carry a baby to full term, but it is definitely something you need to have checked out with a midwife or gynaecologist.
Cramping - is very normal through out your pregnancy, even before you start feeling the child moving. The uterus is expanding and stretching, which will cause period like cramps. If you are cramping and bleeding you need to contact your GP.
Loss of pregnancy symptoms - Since not all women feel nausea or other typical symptoms during their pregnancy, this is not always a reliable sign of a miscarriage. Even if your pregnancy symptoms are normally constant, there might be days you will not experience them. Towards the end of you first trimester, many of these symptoms might be subsiding naturally as your hormones levels do not increase as rapidly. If the loss of your pregnancy symptoms are combined with any of the other signs, you should talk to your GP about it.
Vague feelings - There is a fine line between hypochondria and female intuition, but sometimes you just have to trust yourself and your instincts.
What to do if you miscarriage
You will need to contact your GP or go to the nearest maternity hospital. A blood test will disclose your hCG hormone levels, and it will have to be repeated after two days. These hormone levels increase from the first day of pregnancy and have specific levels for each week of your pregnancy. By testing at least twice, an increase or decrease in the hormone levels will indicate if you might be miscarrying. You will probably also be asked to do an ultrasound. Doctors like to be sure and it is important that no residue from the pregnancy is left in the womb, since it could increase the risk of infection.
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