Pregnancy loss: a guide to providing support

Every culture has topics that are rarely, if ever, discussed. In Mexico, it is common to hear the saying, "don't talk about politics, religion, or soccer at the dinner table," but the list of uncomfortable subjects is much longer. One of these is pregnancy loss. The lack of conversation surrounding it can make the experience feel even lonelier, especially when those close to you do not know how to address the topic or avoid it entirely.

Let's talk about pregnancy loss

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies pregnancy loss into two broad categories:

• Early loss, which occurs before the 28th week of pregnancy.
• Late loss, which occurs after that period.

According to the organization March of Dimes, between 10% and 15% of pregnancies end in early pregnancy loss. Furthermore, it is estimated that more than two million late-term pregnancies are lost each year. In other words, this is not an isolated or rare event, but an experience that affects millions of couples around the world. Even so, many of them go through their grief in silence.Behind a lossThere is no single cause. Gestational age, certain infections, or fetal anomalies can influence the loss of a pregnancy. Although in many cases it is not possible to prevent them, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk. Some recommendations include:

✔️ A balanced diet
✔️ Appropriate physical activity
✔️ Stress management
✔️ Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and excessive caffeine consumption
✔️ Medical monitoring throughout the pregnancy. Regular check-ups and professional support are key to detecting and addressing risk factors in time.

‍What happens during a loss?

‍If you are supporting someone during their pregnancy, it is important to be aware of warning signs such as:

🔹 Vaginal bleeding or spotting
🔹 Abdominal or lower back pain or cramping
🔹 Fever and chills. These symptoms may indicate a complication. If you experience any of them, it is essential to see a specialist immediately.

‍There is always a tomorrow

‍After a loss, it is common to feel guilt, sadness, or hopelessness. However, many people avoid talking about it, which can lead to grieving in isolation. This is where emotional support makes all the difference. If someone close to you is going through this process:

💙 Avoid phrases like: "everything happens for a reason","at least you know you can get pregnant"or"the good thing is that you already have a child". Even if well-intentioned, they can cause more pain.
💙 Offer genuine support: Express your condolences, ask how they are feeling, and let them know you are there for them. Sometimes, just being present is enough. Professional support is also key.

At Fertilidad Integral, we have specialists in mental health and fertility to provide medical and psychological guidance during these times.

📍 If you need more information or support, schedule a consultation with our team.