Have you recently had a miscarriage, a still birth, an abortion, or any loss related to pregnancy or childbirth? Are you feeling grief and unsure of what to do with that grief? There’s a name for what you’re experiencing; it’s called reproductive loss and grief.

Many women suffer silently because they are unsure how to reach out for help or unsure why they are feeling anxious, depressed, or loneliness; but you are not alone.

Reproductive loss can also be called reproductive grief; they go hand in hand. Often when the term “reproductive loss” is used, we think of miscarriage, but it is so much more. Reproductive loss includes miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility, adoption, abortion, and failed continued efforts to create a family.

Up to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and another 1% end in still birth, which is a loss after 20 weeks. In Virginia 16.6% of pregnancies end in abortion.

Reproductive loss can happen before women have told their families or friends they are pregnant, and this leaves many women grieving alone.

“Some research suggests that up to 30 percent of pregnancy losses are followed by significant emotional reactions. And 1 in 10 women exhibit signs of a diagnosable disorder such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder following a reproductive loss.” – American Psychological Association.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, they are normal, but painful. We see you; we want you to know there is help. There are in-person resources and websites that offer help with grief and loss, including these for miscarriage support and post-abortion support. You can also contact us here at Alcove Women’s Health Clinic for a referral to counselors and support groups.

We would be honored to support you and help you find resources to support you through your grieving process. You may feel like a part of you is incapable of ever healing. You may even feel like there is something wrong with you. You may feel as if there is no hope, or future. Anger, guilt, shame, and relief are all normal emotions after a reproductive loss. 

There is hope and there is help available. Call or click here to request more information.  Wherever you are in your grieving process, we are here for you and we want to help.

Also, if you’re trying to process a new pregnancy while you’re dealing with reproductive loss and grief, our trained client advocates can help you process a pregnancy decision or connect you with trained and licensed counselors for your unique situation.

Sometimes women experience ongoing reproductive grief even during a new pregnancy. If you feel this way, you can schedule an options consultation with us to discuss your options, receive a free ultrasound, and receive accurate medical information.

Whatever your situation is, we want to help you. All of our services are free and confidential. We are here for you. Call or click here to discuss how we can help you today.