ABSTRACT
Just as there are different ways to experience pregnancy loss, there are also a number of choices available to managing miscarriage. This chapter introduces the different options that may be available to us; explains what they involve; and outlines how we may react to them emotionally. Depending on how we manage our pregnancy loss we may be asked to sign a consent form to indicate if we wish to organize cremation or burial or if we want the hospital to arrange this, and if we want any pathology tests or a post mortem/autopsy. Early miscarriage (before 12 weeks) may feel no more painful than a regular period, but it could be closer to labour-like pains that are unexpectedly strong and bleeding that is heaver and goes on for a longer period than anticipated. If we have a medical or surgical miscarriage we may need a week or more off work, or longer if we are struggling psychologically.
