Miscarriage & Stillbirth Resources
One of the many questions that occupy our consciousness after a miscarriage is: “Why did this medically occur?” This page includes links to resources created by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the March of Dimes to help you investigate the why, how, & what do I do now of miscarriage, stillbirth, and other pregnancy loss.
Sifting through reputable sources can be comforting because true facts about miscarriage always lead you back to a core statement that most likely YOU did NOTHING to cause the loss of your pregnancy.
Only a small percent of women (1%) have repeated miscarriages. Information, in this regard, can be powerful because it provides us with empirical evidence that we are not at fault and the information offers welcome hope.
Please note that conclusive answers of “why” cannot usually be offered with early pregnancy loss. Most often miscarriage is a “random event” when an “embryo receives an abnormal number of chromosomes” (ACOG FAQ090).
The following links will lead you to specific information about pregnancy loss from respected sources. This page will constantly evolve as I add resources. I encourage you to always visit trusted sources while you gather information.
- Miscarriage | Early Pregnancy Loss: Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation.
http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Early-Pregnancy-Loss-Miscarriage
http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/miscarriage.aspx
- An overview of Repeated Miscarriage: Repeated miscarriage is defined as having 2 or more miscarriages. Only 1% of females will have repeated miscarriages.
http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/repeat-miscarriages.aspx
http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Repeated-Miscarriages
- Stillbirth: Stillbirth is the loss of a baby after 20 weeks in the womb. Still births occur in 1/160 pregnancies.
http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/stillbirth.aspx
- Treatment after a Miscarriage:
http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/treatment-after-miscarriage.aspx
- D&C:
http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Dilation-and-Curettage-DandC
- Ectopic Pregnancy:
http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Ectopic-Pregnancy
- Molar Pregnancy:
http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/molar-pregnancy.aspx
- Hysterectomy:
http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Hysterectomy
- Dealing with Grief: Please…take time to grieve.
http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/dealing-with-grief.aspx
http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/from-hurt-to-healing.aspx
http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/dealing-with-the-unexpected.aspx
http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/dealing-with-your-grief.aspx
Remembering Your Baby:
http://www.marchofdimes.org/loss/remembering-your-baby.aspx
Helpful Organizations:
- Bethany Christian Services: A global non-profit that offers to those who have infertility or have experienced pregnancy loss. Subscribe to Stepping Stones Newsletter.
- Through the Heart: A national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering education & support for all types of pregnancy loss including miscarriage & stillbirth. Please visit their information about “comfort kits.” http://www.throughtheheart.org
- Miscarriage Matters: A web-based 501(c)3 nonprofit offering global support to mothers and fathers devastated by Miscarriage, Stillbirth & Early Infant Loss. This organization offers a “live chat” option so that you can talk with someone about your loss http://www.mymiscarriagematters.com/
- Don’t Talk About the Baby: The first documentary to explore the stigma surrounding pregnancy loss and infertility. It’s not just a movie – it’s a social change. http://www.donttalkaboutthebaby.com/
Recommended Books:
Drake, Teske. (2012). Hope for today; Promises for tomorrow. Kregal Publications.
Lucado, Max. (2013). You’ll get through this: Hope and help for your turbulent times. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
MacArthur, John. (2003). Safe in the Arms of God: Truth from Heaven about the Death of a Child. Thomas Nelson.
Saake, Jennifer. (2005). Hannah’s hope: Seeking God’s heart in the midst of infertility, miscarriage, and adoption loss. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
