Late pregnancy loss means that a pregnancy ends after 20-weeks gestation. Late pregnancy loss is often called stillbirth. While there are many risk factors for stillbirth, such as genetics, chromosomal disorders, and recreational drug use, late pregnancy loss can happen for no known reason. Pregnant persons often blame themselves for their pregnancy loss even if they have done everything as instructed by their doctor. Some people feel their body has betrayed them. Some experience depression and anger, while others may feel numb or lost. Everyone responds in their own unique way and in their own time. While everyone’s emotional response is unique, there are common ways that the body will physically respond to late pregnancy loss.
You can expect your body to react in the following way:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal soreness
- Uterine cramping
- Breast tenderness
- Breast milk production
- Mood swings
- Crying spells
- Hormonal changes
The following complications may occur:
- Prolonged or heavy bleeding
- Uterine infection
- Infection in your breasts
- Vaginal tissue tearing
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Depression
Call your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Fever (100.4°F (38°C) or higher)
- Changes in urination (pain, frequency, urgency, burning)
- Sudden, large amounts of vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour)
- Sudden shortness of breath (go to emergency department immediately)
- Sudden and severe chest pain (go to emergency department immediately)
- Vaginal discharge that is yellow, green, or foul smelling
- Swollen, hard, or painful breasts and a fever
- Problems with your urine or bowel movements
- Difficulty sleeping or eating
- Feeling hopeless
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Unable to leave your home
Care at Home
- Use a well-fitting bra for support.
- Use sanitary pads. Ask your doctor when you may use tampons or douche.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Take any medications as ordered.
Physical Limitations
Your doctor may recommend physical limitations to your physical activity after you go home, which could include the following:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Climbing stairs
- Working out
- Lifting older children
- Using tampons
- Having sex
Intimacy After Perinatal Loss
Some individuals, especially women, may be triggered by intercourse after perinatal loss. While some women find solace in intercourse and intimacy after perinatal loss, several women have reported experiencing a panic attack. No one can know how they will react until the moment is upon them.
Being open, honest, and supportive with one another is key in the path towards healing. Talking with your partner about intimacy and being supportive of each other can help foster a deeper connection and strengthen your relationship. Holding hands, hugging, snuggling, and sitting close to each other helps to stay connected. It may also be helpful to talk with a therapist about intimacy. Intimacy can occur without sexual intercourse.