Advice from our midwives for coping with miscarriage during the pandemic

We know that parents going through miscarriage need support more than ever in coronavirus lockdown. In this blog, our midwifery manager Kate Marsh explains what miscarriage during the covid-19 pandemic might be look like and what support is available.

Guest blog from Kate, Midwifery Manager at Tommy's 23/06/2020

During this time of the Covid-19 lockdown, parents are still experiencing miscarriage and needing support.

What happens if I have a miscarriage?

It's important to remember that health professionals are still available to look after and support you. If you have any pain and/or bleeding, or other symptoms you are worried about, then you can always call your GP or your local Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU). 

Most EPUs are operating a triage phone line that you can call to get advice from a health professional about whether you need to go into hospital. If you do need to be seen in person, this will be made as safe as possible for you. Scans are still going ahead but only when deemed essential, so early routine or reassurance scans are generally not being offered at the moment.

If it's confirmed that you're having a miscarriage, they will explain all your options to help decide what's best for you: expectant, medical or surgical management. If it's safe for you, they will probably encourage expectant management, so that you can go home and not have to stay in hospital longer - but it's still important to talk through your options and make a decision together with the experts looking after you.

What support is available?

Having a miscarriage can have a significant physical and emotional impact on women, their partners and wider family. It is important to allow time to grieve and recognise what you are going through.

Look after yourself and talk to those close to you about how you are feeling. Talking really can help, so even if you are unable to physically see friends and family, try video calling or just a phone chat. 

Others also find keeping a diary or journal documenting your thoughts or creating a physical memory such as planting a tree, having a special candle to light or making a memory box.  

Online communities

Further support

If you feel that it would help to have some extra support, then lots of services are still running. A good place to start exploring these options is your GP or EPU, as they should know about any support services that are local to you. 

Many are continuing to offer support either via phone, video call or computer-based therapy. Another option is IAPT (Improving access to psychological therapies) which you can sign up for yourself without needing a GP referral.

Of course, you can always talk to us too; we are still here for you.