Postpartum Depression After Miscarriage

After pregnancy, some people feel persistent moderate to deep sadness (depression) and other painful feelings. All are considered part of postpartum depression. And they are not reserved for those who have given birth. If you have lost an unborn baby, you may feel deeply sad, upset, fearful, and worried. These feelings may last for weeks, months, and sometimes, years.^1-7

Although you may feel very alone in dealing with your loss, you are not. Statistics show that worldwide, up to 1 in 4 women experience miscarriage.^1-6

What you may feel

While you were pregnant, you may have felt that your baby and you were one. Thus, losing that child involved not only your body but also yourself. And having gone through it affects your mental health.^1-6

Several 2021 and 2022 studies found that miscarriage can lead to a range of difficult emotions. These feelings are not only felt by the person who gave birth but also by their partner. Statistics vary on how many people are affected but taken together, they align with the following.^1-5

• More than half were at risk for moderate to severe sadness.
• Up to 4 out of 5 felt anxious and worried; nearly half were at risk for post-traumatic stress.
• Nearly 1 in 3 reported feeling an overwhelming sense of loss (grief).
• More than 1 in 3 had thoughts about hurting themselves.
• Many feared that something was wrong with them or that they did something wrong.
• Some reported not understanding what had happened.
• Most were concerned that it may happen again.
• Many felt empty and lonely.

What may make a miscarriage more difficult

First, other people may not understand how hard it is to lose an unborn child. For example, your doctor might not see your struggles, and so they may not offer treatment. Your family and friends may also be unaware of your feelings, especially if you keep them to yourself.^1,2,4,5

Second, your relationship with your partner can affect how you get through this time. Loss of a pregnancy affects them as well; their feelings may or may not mirror yours. On the other hand, you may be unpartnered and be handling this alone. That can make it even harder to get through.^1,2,5

Third, it may matter whether you have a child or children at home. Some studies found that, over time, this seems to make it easier to move forward. It does not lessen the reality of the loss but perhaps can provide meaning and support.^1,2,5

After a miscarriage

Up to 4 out of 5 people get pregnant again after miscarriage. This is often thought to bring some relief of sadness and stress. However, one large study showed that having a healthy child later did not erase depression from the loss of an earlier pregnancy.^2,6

Losing more than one pregnancy can increase your feelings of deep sadness and post-traumatic stress. You may question your ability to have children, feel guilty, and even become angry. And the same goes for your partner.^1,2

What you believe about miscarriage can also make things more difficult to handle. Some cultures and societies hold onto myths that blame the birthing parent or other unrelated factors.³

What may help you cope with depression

While nothing can erase your loss, there are steps you can take that may help you cope. Above all, for your own sake, do not try to handle this alone.^1,2,4,5

Share with your partner, if available. They may help by listening, offering comfort, and sharing the journey. Be open, honest, and accepting with each other. You both need sensitivity, empathy, and to some extent, answers.^1,2,5

Share with your doctor or healthcare provider. They can offer counsel, information, and treatment. Learn about what may have caused your loss and what did not. This may help ease your fears about your ability to carry a baby to term.^1,5

Share with others. You may find that other people have been through a pregnancy loss as well. If you do not have someone to share your experience, find a support group. They can listen with empathy, provide comfort, and share how they are surviving this tragedy.^2,3

Be gentle with yourself

Give yourself some grace. Accept your body and take care of it. Try not to blame it. The better your relationship with it, the easier it will be to move forward.²

Give yourself plenty of time. This includes time to deal with your uncomfortable, painful feelings and time to nurture your other relationships and accept comfort from them. It is important to also give yourself time to regain your sense of strength and normalcy.^2,5