In the last couple of months, two very high profile women (and their husbands) have made the heroic choice to publicly speak about the loss of a pregnancy. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend as well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have both reached out to traditional and social media outlets to describe the pain of losing a pregnancy.
Miscarriages (the loss of a pregnancy through the 20th week) remains quite common—with some estimating that 10 percent of early pregnancies are lost. Yet the subject remains a hush-hush topic among many. Some have estimated that up to a third of all women will experience a miscarriage during their childbearing years. As one’s age increases, the likelihood of a miscarriage goes up, too. With so many women delaying pregnancy, these days, it is an all too common experience.
A miscarriage often yields feelings of guilt, shame and isolation. Experts reassure women that activities like exercising, working, or having sex will not precipitate a spontaneous abortion. Rather, in most cases nothing could have been to prevent the loss of a pregnancy early on.
Experts suggest that not only is grieving normal, but that women may grieve longer than men. Reaching out to a mental health professional or support group is a healthy, life-affirming choice. Here are just a few organizations designed to support those dealing with the loss of a pregnancy: Mothering Your Heart; Cribs For Kids; Heaven’s Gain Ministries; and Hello Hope.
