Caring For Your Healing Body After Stillbirth
Giving birth is one of the most physically intense events that most mothers will experience in their lifetimes. Although stillbirth – defined in more detail below – is a heartbreaking end to a pregnancy, stillborn babies must be delivered vaginally or via cesarean. As a result, stillbirth involves a lengthy physical recovery for the mother.
In This Article:
Types of Pregnancy Loss: Miscarriage v. Stillbirth
Pain & Discomfort
Bleeding
Lactation
Importance of Medical Follow Up
Types of Pregnancy Loss: Miscarriage v. Stillbirth
A miscarriage (also referred to as “early pregnancy loss”) is defined as a pregnancy loss that occurs prior to 20 weeks. On the other hand, the CDC defines stillbirth as a pregnancy loss that occurs after 20 weeks. There are further classifications – early-, late-, and term-stillbirths, which categorize the stage of loss more specifically. Both types of pregnancy loss happen more frequently than most people realize: approximately 1 in 160 births is affected by stillbirth, and 10-15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage (often before a woman knows that she is pregnant).
For the purpose of this article, we will focus on what a woman can expect, physically, during recovery from stillbirth.
Pain & Discomfort
Because you were further along in your pregnancy, your body has had to make more changes to accommodate your child’s growth. Additionally, you gave birth to your stillborn child, which is physically demanding for your body regardless of whether you gave birth vaginally or via c-section. You might find that your body is sore, swollen, or feels weaker in the days and weeks following delivery. You may have some pain related to your type of birth – for example, pelvic soreness if you delivered vaginally. You might also experience strong abdominal cramps as your uterus returns to normal size. Physical discomfort will likely improve gradually over the first few weeks. Your medical provider can help you identify medical and holistic ways to manage physical discomfort.
Bleeding
Following any type of birth – including miscarriage and stillbirth – women will experience bleeding for a period of time as the uterus sheds the lining that “cushioned” the baby during pregnancy. You can expect to bleed for six to eight weeks following a stillbirth. Women are advised to use pads – not tampons – to manage bleeding during this time. If bleeding suddenly increases (particularly after a steady decrease in bleeding), women should call their medical providers immediately.
Lactation
When a woman delivers the placenta during birth, it triggers her body to begin producing milk. This process occurs during stillbirth as well. Women who have experienced stillbirth may find that their breasts feel very full – sometimes to the point of discomfort – and may start leaking milk. Women have options around how to handle lactation following stillbirth including donating milk, holistic methods to dry up milk supply, or medical management. For more information on these options, click here.
Importance of Medical Follow-Up
After a live birth, women typically follow up with their midwife or obstetrician approximately 6-8 weeks after delivery. Mothers who experience a stillbirth should still do the same. Medical providers will most likely complete a physical exam to ensure that your body has physically recovered from your delivery. You will also have an opportunity to ask your medical provider questions about your physical recovery, specific questions about the circumstances of your pregnancy loss, and considerations about future fertility. You might find it useful to schedule this appointment at a time when a loved one can accompany them to the appointment or request that the medical provider set aside extra time so you do not feel rushed through the appointment.
For more information about the physical experience of stillbirth, visit these resources:
Medline Plus (US National Library of Medicine)
If you have been impacted by pregnancy loss of any kind, we at BenefitBump send our most heartfelt condolences, and we are here to offer emotional and logistical support as you navigate the impact that this loss has on your family. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your Care Navigator for additional resources.