8 things you should do after a miscarriage
How do you take care of yourself after a miscarriage?
Many things can go wrong during a pregnancy and result in a miscarriage. A miscarriage, like any other loss, can be extremely emotionally draining for a woman. In reality, it is accompanied by both mental and physical distress.
That’s why it’s important to take care of a few things right after a miscarriage to ensure a quicker physical and mental recovery.
Here are 8 things you need to do after a miscarriage:
Take rest
You need time to heal as you have gone through a traumatizing experience. So, give yourself ample time to rest as much as you can. Avoid intense workout sessions since this will delay the healing process. Yoga and breathing sessions are okay as they will help heal your mind.
Avoid sex
Avoid having sex in the first two weeks after the miscarriage as your body is in the healing phase. Wait for the bleeding to stop and the cervix to close. Consult your doctor on when to have sexual intercourse again or to try for another baby.
Go for regular checkups
Visit your doctor regularly after your miscarriage so that you can be sure that you don’t have any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), bacterial infections, incomplete miscarriage, or problems that can stop you from getting pregnant again. If possible, be in touch with your doctor during this time. Update them on any complications or unusual symptoms you may be experiencing.
Maintain proper hygiene
You will bleed after a miscarriage. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons. You can risk a vaginal infection if you use tampons. So, avoid them. Also, take a shower or bath at least once a day, preferably twice a day. Do not douche or use vaginal washes during this time.
Stay hydrated
Drink at least eight glasses of water per day so that you stay hydrated. You can also have fruit juices, tea, and warm broth. Avoid caffeine and other caffeinated drinks as they might dehydrate you and affect your recovery.
Don’t skip your medication
It is very important to take the medication prescribed by your doctor on time and complete the entire dosage so as to avoid infections and ensure timely recovery.
Adopt a Healthy Diet
Make sure you eat foods rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fibers, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals in adequate amounts. Your body needs to recover and refuel itself after a miscarriage. Include eggs, cheese, red meat, poultry, coconut oil, butter and whole fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Don’t blame yourself
A miscarriage is due to a medical abnormality and it is not your fault. You must accept that it happened because of some medical problem, and move on to plan a family in the future.
For pregnancy crisis counselling and management, you can call Marie Stopes Kenya for confidential toll free-chat on 0800 720 005. Their non-judgmental and expert providers will ensure you receive the best care for you during counselling, pregnancy testing and any miscarriage or post-abortion follow up services you may need.