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Alyssa Pinelli experienced profound emotional turmoil in 2019 when she learned about her pregnancy, only to find out a week later that she was miscarrying. “We found out the baby would be due in June, and then a week later, I experienced some bleeding, which led to a tragic turn of events,” she shared.
Medical professionals quickly identified that the Brockville, Ontario resident had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fetus develops outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube, creating serious risks for the mother and rendering the pregnancy non-viable.
“It felt like my whole world was collapsing again because the explanations from doctors were so inconsistent. I couldn’t process what was happening,” Pinelli reflected. Despite receiving appropriate medical care, she admitted that the emotional aftermath of the experience deeply affected her.
Even having two children prior did not shield her from the emotional struggles that followed the loss. Pinelli expressed concerns about potential reoccurrence, particularly when she encounters pregnancy announcements from others. “I still think about that surgery every day; it lingers in my mind,” she confessed. She felt unsupported in the aftermath, noting the lack of resources or discussions with her doctor about avenues for community support.
Miscarriage Mental Symptoms ‘Quite Profound’: Researcher
Her recent study highlighted that many women in Canada experience mental health issues following a miscarriage, which often go undiagnosed and downplayed. The findings showed that roughly one-third of women may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, with 24% experiencing moderate to severe anxiety and nearly 10% suffering from severe depression within just one month of their loss.
“It’s noteworthy that these symptoms can persist for six to twelve months post-miscarriage, indicating a significant impact on the mental well-being of affected women,” Tunde-Byass stated. She emphasized the necessity for healthcare providers to address not just the physical complications involved but also the emotional ramifications, which include PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Importantly, Tunde-Byass acknowledged the mental toll that miscarriage can have on fathers as well, which is often overlooked. She advocates for more open discussions regarding miscarriages, pointing out that it is a common experience that tends to be shrouded in silence. She argues for a shift in how care is provided, prioritizing compassionate approaches that consider emotional wellness alongside medical treatment.
Julia Gartland, a 34-year-old mother of two from Kingston, Ontario, similarly felt underserved during her own miscarriage experience in 2020. On Mother’s Day, she sensed something was off. After enduring two months of bleeding before undergoing surgical intervention, she was left feeling that the focus was limited to the medical aspects, with little regard for the emotional fallout.
“The mental toll of these events is often sidelined,” Gartland pointed out. Unlike the provisions offered to new parents, she noted the absence of resources following a miscarriage. Many people around her didn’t know how to respond to her grief, which only deepened her sense of isolation.
Reflecting on the societal response, Gartland recounted people urging her to move on, which intensified her feelings of invalidation regarding her grief. Meanwhile, Pinelli, now a mother of two boys, wishes to foster understanding among medical professionals regarding the complexities of pregnancy loss. “I felt dismissed during numerous appointments. One doctor said to me, ‘It’s just a miscarriage.’ But it isn’t just a miscarriage,” she emphasized.
Both women aim to break the silence surrounding this sensitive issue, shedding light on the stigma and emotional burden faced by those who experience miscarriage. Pinelli articulated a common sentiment among many women: “I felt as though I had to carry this burden alone. I believed my body had failed me, which is part of the stigma surrounding miscarriage.” She insisted that no woman should feel that way, underscoring the importance of support and understanding in the healing process.
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globalnews.ca