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Helping Your Spouse Through a Miscarriage
Miscarriage is early pregnancy loss that happens before week 20. Up to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and although it’s fairly common, it’s a devastating experience for any couple.
If your partner has experienced a miscarriage, you might feel helpless or unsure of what to do next. It's important to be there for your spouse during this difficult time, and neither of you has to navigate it alone.
Marc Wilson, MD, and our team at OB/GYN Specialists offer compassionate care for miscarriage and infertility. Take a moment to learn about a few different ways you can help your spouse through the grieving process after miscarriage.
Be there for them emotionally
One of the most important things you can do for your spouse is to be there for them emotionally.
Listen to them when they want to talk, but don't push it if they're not ready. Let them know you're there for them and that you love them.
Encourage them to express their feelings, whether it's through talking, writing, or other forms of self-expression.
Take care of practical matters
After a miscarriage, your spouse may not feel up to handling day-to-day tasks, like cooking, cleaning, or running errands.
Taking care of these practical matters for them gives them the opportunity to focus on their emotional healing. Offer to make meals, do laundry, or handle any other chores that need to be done.
Help them grieve
Grieving is a natural process, and everyone grieves in their own way. You can help your spouse grieve by acknowledging their loss and offering support.
Depending on your situation, you might consider suggesting ways to honor the baby's memory, such as planting a tree, creating a scrapbook, or making a donation to a charity.
Be mindful of triggers
After a miscarriage, certain things can trigger feelings of loss, sadness, or grief. Take time to recognize any triggers that may affect your spouse, like seeing a pregnant woman or a baby.
Be mindful of their triggers, and try to avoid them if possible. If your spouse does experience a trigger, make sure to be there for them emotionally.
Be patient
The grieving process after a miscarriage can be long and difficult, and it's important to be patient with your spouse as they work through their emotions.
They may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and depression. It's important to remember that these emotions are normal, and it’s normal for them to take time to heal.
Take care of yourself
Caring for your spouse through a miscarriage can be emotionally draining, and it's important to take care of yourself, too. Make sure you're eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking time for self-care.
Talk to friends or family members if you need support, or consider speaking with a therapist or counselor to begin processing your own emotions.
Seek support together
Seeking support together can be helpful for both you and your spouse. Consider joining a support group for couples who have experienced miscarriage or speaking with a therapist who specializes in grief and loss.
Seeking support can help you to feel less alone, and our team can guide you to resources if you’re not sure where to start.
Remember that healing takes time
No matter your situation, healing after a miscarriage takes time. It's important to be patient with yourself, your spouse, and the process.
Your spouse may experience ups and downs. There may be times when they feel like they're making progress, and times when they feel like they're taking steps back. Remember that healing is a journey, and it may take longer than you or your spouse expect.
Miscarriage is a difficult and painful experience, but with support and understanding, you can work through your grief and begin to heal. To learn more about navigating miscarriage and infertility, book an appointment with Dr. Wilson and our team at OB/GYN Specialists.
Call our office in Denton, Texas, at 940-202-0301 or send us a message online now.
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