The COVID-induced lockdown was a challenging time for everyone, especially people susceptible to mental health challenges. One stratum of the human population, for whom this lockdown was exceptionally challenging, was pregnant women. As the country was shut down, going out of the house was medically negligent, and health facilities operated at max capacity or were compromised due to the risk of contracting COVID, pregnant women suffered a demanding ordeal.
This is apparent in Rani Mukherji’s recent confession, that she had suffered a miscarriage in her fifth trimester, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Dealing with a miscarriage while being cooped up at home must have been tough for the celebrated actress, as it was for many women who suffered this dire mishap during the lockdown.
Also Read: Common Causes Of Miscarriage & How To Reduce Its Risk
How does miscarriage affect a women's health?
According to a study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Livebirths decreased from 90.2% to 88.9% from 2019-2021. The study revealed, ‘A higher proportion of pregnancy loss was noted, particularly miscarriages increased in both urban (6.4% vs. 8.5%) and rural areas (5.3% vs. 6.9%), and stillbirth increased by 28.6% (0.7% vs. 0.9%), during this time.
Speaking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar informed that “Miscarriages have emotional and physical effects on a woman's health. Emotionally, it can lead to feelings of sadness, grief, anxiety, and even depression. Physically, a miscarriage might involve bleeding, pain, and hormonal changes.”
Miscarriages can be tougher when they happen late in the pregnancy, as the mother may have developed an emotional connection with the child developing inside her belly. As the effect of a miscarriage is not relatable for anyone except the woman who suffered from it, experiencing a miscarriage can also be a lonely experience, and detrimental to the mental health of the woman.
Along with the mental and emotional repercussions, common physical effects of a miscarriage include:
- Vaginal bleeding for up to a week after the miscarriage
- Spotting or light bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain
- Bloating and cramping for two to three days
- Breast discomfort and milk leakage for a week
Dealing with a Miscarriage
Dr Siddhartha informed, “Remember, healing takes time, so be patient with yourself throughout the process.” Some of the steps that should be followed by women who have recently suffered a miscarriage to bounce back to their healthier selves are:
- If you are having a tough time dealing with the miscarriage, consult a grief counsellor. The grief counsellor can help you learn new techniques to move on from this harrowing experience. You can also join a support group, as spending time with women who can relate to your experiences can alleviate your loneliness, and make you feel accepted and understood.
- Use supportive bras and ice packs to soothe breast soreness and swelling.
- Use menstrual pads instead of tampons or menstrual cups to manage bleeding and spotting.
- Avoid places like public toilets, swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs to reduce your risk of an infection
- Avoid exerting yourself until your body has fully healed.
- Prioritise your mental health by indulging in calming and enjoyable activities.
Getting Over The Trauma of a Miscarriage
Dr Siddhartha advised that while many women eventually recover both emotionally and physically from a miscarriage, seeking support from healthcare professionals and loved ones is crucial for overall well-being. Dealing with a miscarriage requires allowing yourself to grieve, seeking support, and prioritising self-care through relaxation, gentle exercise, and engaging in activities you enjoy.
