A miscarriage can be an incredibly difficult experience, both physically and emotionally. For many people, the process of grieving can be helped by having some basic items on hand. These are items you can have at home or take to the hospital or emergency department with you. We have put together this list of what to have or pack in your miscarriage kit. Or if you know a family member or friend going through a miscarriage, you can put together this kit and give it as a gift. Having these items can provide some much-needed comfort and support during a difficult time.
A miscarriage kit or pregnancy loss kit can be a helpful way to manage the physical and emotional pain of going through a miscarriage. Many doctors will tell you that a miscarriage is just like a heavy period, but this is such an understatement. It is the wrong way to describe pregnancy loss because they fail to mention all the emotional pain and sometimes other physical symptoms you will also go through. Anything you can do to bring yourself comfort during this time is something worth doing. Make sure you advocate for yourself and always speak up about your concerns. This way you can hopefully avoid or catch any serious medical problems that could arise due to an unmonitored loss.
Important Things To Remember After a Loss
It is important to remember that a miscarriage or other early pregnancy loss is not your fault and you did nothing to cause it. This can be a difficult thing to remember when you are feeling so much pain and grief. You may need to remind yourself of this often. Other things that can be helpful to remember are that you are not alone and that your feelings are valid.
Overall, it should not affect your chances of a future successful pregnancy or having a healthy baby. With your next pregnancy, make sure you get into your OBGYN or midwife early for proper prenatal care. The doctor can do noninvasive prenatal testing starting at 10 weeks of pregnancy to rule out the most common chromosomal issues.
Sometimes your doctor may have you take what is known as the abortion pill. This is something to help you body naturally carry out the miscarriage and hopefully avoid surgery. It does not always work and sometimes you still have to have a D&C. There is no best way to go as you can pick either option that emotionally works for you.
It may take a while for your menstrual cycle to come back or to be regular again after a loss. While this is frustrating, it is completely normal. If it does not come back or if you continue to have a lot of heavy bleeding, always make sure to check with your doctor about your options.
You may be able to have your the fetal dna of your embryo or baby sent for genetic testing to determine if there were any chromosomal abnormalities. If this is something you are interested in, make sure to speak with your doctor to ensure it gets sent for the appropriate testing. Even if you are having an early miscarriage, you may still be able to get testing done.
You can still get a positive pregnancy test after miscarriage until the HCG levels return to zero. If your home pregnancy test gets lighter and then starts to get darker again, you may have a new pregnancy or you may have a medical reason why the HCG did not completely zero out.
If you ever feel you are having excessive bleeding or any severe abdominal pain after a pregnancy loss, please go to your doctor or emergency room to make sure there are no issues. They can make any medical interventions that may be needed to ensure you stay as healthy as possible during your loss.
The medical terms used by doctors can be rather harsh, especially if you are losing a much-wanted pregnancy. You may hear terms such as “medical abortion” and “products of conception” when referring to your loss and your baby. Some doctors do not understand that these terms are more hurtful than helpful. If you need to, explain to your doctor how these terms are affecting you and ask them to please use different language.
If you are experiencing recurrent miscarriages, do not be afraid to advocate for yourself. Ask for the proper recurrent loss testing. Hopefully this can give you a conclusive result on why you are experiencing multiple losses. Many times there is a solution for how to help in the future.
List of Resources
Having a list of important clinical resources and personal contacts on hand is always a helpful item. This can include the phone number for your doctor, a list of support groups or counselors, and any other important contacts. If you have to be hospitalized, you may also want to include a list of people to contact, like important family members and friends.
Speaking with a clinical psychologist or other mental health provider can be helpful after a loss. You will have an unbiased party that will be understanding of all your thoughts and feelings surrounding the loss. Look for one who specializes in grief or in pregnancy and infant loss.
Online pregnancy loss support groups can also be a great way to connect with others who are going through the same thing. These are people who understand what you are going through and can offer support and advice.
Personal Items for Miscarriage Kit
There are certain personal items that can make a miscarriage comfort kit more helpful. These can be especially helpful if you require any kind of hospital stay. This might include lip balm, lotion, a hairbrush, a hot water bottle, and a heating pad. It can also be helpful to have a few snacks on hand, like candy or gum.
You will want to make sure you have a variety of maxi pads on hand. Make sure to have a heavy maxi pad variety on hand along with a lighter version as well.
If you are able to take your own pillow or special stuffed animal from home, that can provide some much-needed comfort. You may also want to include a change of clothes if you have to be in the hospital. Wearing something comfortable may be better than wearing the hospital clothing provided.
Medications/Tests for Miscarriage Kit
You can have some physical pain after going through a pregnancy loss. You will likely want to have some pain medication (like Tylenol or Ibuprofen) on hand. The healthcare provider may also give you medication to help with cramping or bleeding. Be sure to ask your doctor what they recommend and if there are any side effects to be aware of.
Sometimes after a loss, you will have to test your HCG levels in order to make sure they have gone down to zero. The hormone levels are often checked through a series of blood draws. Keep some pregnancy tests on hand to check at home and see the line get lighter. You will always want to get a doctor to confirm the pregnancies end.
After going through a loss, you may not be emotionally ready to try again. You may not be cleared to try for a few months by your doctor. During this time, you may need to go on some type of birth control in order to prevent pregnancy until you are emotionally or physically ready. Another item you can keep on hand are emergency contraceptive pills. This is important during the period you are not supposed to get pregnant again, just as a precaution. Make sure you follow your doctor’s guidelines about when you can have sex again and do not try to rush it. Your sexual health is important.
Miscarriage Gifts
If you are putting together the miscarriage kit as a gift to a friend or family member, there are plenty of nice items you can include to help them feel better. Ideas of what you can include are: a scented candle, a book about grief or pregnancy loss, some cozy socks, or chocolates. You can also include a handwritten note expressing your condolences and support. The thought you put into it will be much appreciated by the loss family.
Your family member or friend may have medical complications or require a surgical procedure after their pregnancy loss. In this case, you can offer to help them with chores around the house or running errands. You can also bring them meals or have groceries delivered to their house. Just let them know you are there for anything they need.
Going through pregnancy loss is something no one should have to go through alone. By putting together a miscarriage kit, you can help make the process a little bit easier on yourself or for those you know who are grieving. Be sure to include items that will provide physical and emotional comfort. Also include items that will be helpful if there are any medical complications. If you are giving the miscarriage kit as a gift, include items that show you care and are there as a support person.
Did you receive any support or gifts after your miscarriage or loss? I would love to hear about it in the comments.
You may also like:
Does Bleeding Mean Miscarriage? (Early Signs & Symptoms)
Free Gifts for Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss: Items of Remembrance
Comforting Bible Verses for Miscarriage & Pregnancy Loss (Healing Scriptures)
Miscarriage Keepsake Jewelry (Gift Ideas for Loss of Baby)
24 Books to Read After a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Pregnancy Loss
15 Songs About Baby Loss
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