The physical and emotional effects of a miscarriage can linger much, much longer than most people realize.
The medical visits that many women experience during and after a lost pregnancy can be completely overwhelming. Additionally, many women are worried that future pregnancies or health will be affected.
It’s important to give yourself the time and care to recover as fully as possible so your body can be ready for whatever comes next. The first part of that is figuring out how to deal with the immediate effects of a pregnancy (whether to term, or not) on your body.
If you are feeling any of the following in your belly, you’re not alone.
- A heavy or swollen feeling, especially in your low abdomen
- Tenderness to the touch in your abdomen
- Tenderness or pain during movement
- Pubic bone pain
- A sensation that there is still something inside your belly
- Significant changes in digestion or digestive comfort
- Gas and/or bloating
- Urinary changes
- and more
Here are some things you can do to help yourself resolve the symptoms:
- Rest. This step often gets missed or rushed. Your body will heal fastest and most completely if you can give yourself real downtime.
- Stay hydrated
- Keep moving, even if it’s very gentle movement
- Massage your belly, especially around your uterus. Touching here can be a very emotional experience, but it can also help you to process your experience more fully, as well as support your body
- Massage your upper legs, butt, and low back as lingering pain can result from the cramping and spasming that often accompany a miscarriage
- Massage any other areas of your belly that are feeling uncomfortable
It can be helpful to work with a practitioner who can assist you with your abdominal massage. Please check out the Practitioner Directory to find someone near you.