Planning for pregnancy is an exciting experience, and the process is even more cherishing. However, there can be chances of miscarriages due to various health complications. It can be an overwhelming experience which can take a toll on physical and mental health too.
Miscarriages are common and can be upsetting and unpleasant for women, but it's critical to take the correct steps early on to prevent issues later on.
We spoke to our expert Dr Sushma Tomar, Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, who listed various measures to follow after a miscarriage.
Causes Of Miscarriage
There can be multiple reasons that can lead to miscarriages at different stages of the pregnancy. One of which is Chromosomal Abnormalities — this might be spontaneous or hereditary and is known to cause around half of all miscarriages that occur in the first trimester. Also, the increased incidence of chromosomal abnormalities add-on to the age-related risk of miscarriage. Certain health conditions, such as anatomical & genetic factors, infections, immunological conditions, and metabolic and endocrine diseases can also contribute to the risk.
Also Read: Common Causes Of Miscarriage & How To Reduce Its Risk
Things To Follow After A Miscarriage
Here are a few steps women should take immediately following a miscarriage to promote a quicker physical and mental recovery.
Medical Supervision
Stay in constant touch with your doctor and watch out for complications like heavy bleeding, fever, severe abdominal pain, backache, and foul smell from the vagina. If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately rush to the hospital. Post-miscarriage, you should take special care for the first eight days, as the chances of getting an infection are high. Go for regular checkups with your gynaecologist after seven days and then after a month. The next pregnancy can be tried three months after the miscarriage, once all examinations are done.
Take Rest
Taking adequate rest is an important step after a miscarriage for better recovery. Ideally, one should rest for a week if the miscarriage has taken place in the first trimester. Complete bed rest for one to one-and-a-half months is recommended for miscarriage that occurred within six to eight weeks of pregnancy. Staying indoors and taking rest is important as this will allow the body to heal and regulate the bleeding.
Stay Strong
Both partners must be mentally, physically, and emotionally strong enough to face this accident along with family support. Counselling and proper investigation about the cause of miscarriage will help take more care the next time you get pregnant. Proper precautions and appropriate treatment can help in having babies even after a miscarriage.
Also Read: 8 Common Causes Of Female Infertility In India
Avoid Sexual Intercourse
It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse completely until the bleeding and pain don’t stop.To prevent difficulties, it is advised to wait at least six weeks before engaging in sexual activity after a miscarriage. Use contraception to reduce the risk of infection and early pregnancy.
No Intense Exercise or work
As mentioned above, taking proper rest is an important factor to recover from the physical and mental trauma of a miscarriage. Any kind of intense workout, weight training, HIIT, etc is not recommended right after a miscarriage. You can do yoga or try light breathing exercises to reduce stress. Doing daily chores, heavy-duty household tasks or lifting heavy things should be avoided as it can lead to more discomfort.
Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene is very important post-miscarriage. Do not use any tampons, vaginal washes, or perfume, as it can increase the risk of infection and pain. Also, douching should be completely avoided.
