Planning a future pregnancy following miscarriage:
Following miscarriage many parents seek information and support when
planning a future pregnancy. We have found that it is useful for
parents to feel ready both physically as well as emotionally and have
access to support both prior to and throughout a pregnancy.
Pregnancy Support Group SCIM have now set up a Pregnancy Support Group to help
women
who have suffered loss through miscarriage with the emotional aspects
of their
pregnancy. The group will enable women to talk and discuss their
thoughts and feelings in a well-supported environment facilitated by
trained counsellors who have
experienced miscarriage themselves. Full details of the meetings are
available on
our Discussion Forum or call Liz through our office on 0141 552 5070
Factors to consider :The emotional aspects of miscarriage.
Stress/anxiety
The physical causes of miscarriage are often addressed; however the
emotional aspects of this type of loss can often remain unacknowledged.
At SCIM we believe that the emotional trauma of miscarriage is equally
as important as the medical causes and in order that a both parents
feel ready to move forward towards a future pregnancy, both the
physical and emotional aspects of their miscarriage may need to be
addressed.
There has been limited research conducted regarding linking anxiety and
stress as factor of miscarriage. However, recent research conducted by
Dr Alice D. Domar PhD - Director of Women’s Health Services at Harvard
Medical School indicates that stress may be a combined factor in the
cause of poor conception and infertility. Her research indicates that
stress management prior to a future pregnancy and throughout a
pregnancy increases the chances of conception and delivery.
As a progressive organisation we have been looking into this particular
area for parents who are looking towards a future pregnancy. Through
working with women and their partners we have acknowledged the fact
that fear of miscarriage creates a great deal of anxiety and stress. We
have also looked into the area of fertility management which encourages
women to learn more about their own particualr pattern of fertility.
The most useful part of teaching fertility management is that women can
learn to target the most fertile time in their cycle. When using this
“peak” or highly fertile time conception occurs when the conditions for
pregnancy are at their best.
As a result SCIM has developed a specialised pregnancy care programme
to enable clients to work through their grief and support them through
future pregnancies, should this be an option.
The physical aspects are referred to medical professionals by the
development of a working partnership with GP’s and Hospitals throughout
Scotland. The emotional aspects and other issues are looked at through
our specialised programme, which is made up of a combination of
Person-Centred Counselling, Stress Management Counselling, Simple
Relaxation Techniques and a choice of the clients preferred
complementary therapy such as Therapeutic Massage, Aromatherapy, and
learning Fertility Management to help identify peak fertility.
By providing practical care we have found that women and their partners
are able to address the areas of concern and help manage their own
anxieties. This programme was produced by SCIM at our client’s request
for help and support in the management of miscarriage and future
pregnancies. By integrating this with the core services provided within
SCIM many women planning a pregnancy following loss have benefited from
this programme.
Client’s who are pregnant following this programme are offered
ongoing support and are provided continuous access to services such are
relaxation, counselling services and complementary treatments such as
pregnancy massage. By providing this service we have found that many
women feel more supported throughout a future pregnancy and that their
anxiety and stress levels are more effectively managed.
Should you require further information about our services please do not hesitate to contact our office on 0141 552 5070
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