By Quaye Bridgett
For many expectant parents, pregnancy begins with excitement, dreams, and anticipation of welcoming a new life. Names are chosen, prayers are offered, and plans are made for the arrival of a child. However, for some families, these hopes are suddenly interrupted by a painful experience known as miscarriage.
Miscarriage, defined as the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week, remains a common yet rarely discussed reproductive health issue. Behind the silence, many individuals and families endure physical pain, emotional trauma, and psychological distress.
Data from the Ghana Maternal Health Survey indicates that miscarriage accounts for between 12% and 15.6% of pregnancies annually, representing an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 cases each year, depending on the number of pregnancies recorded.
Health experts say while miscarriage is often associated with medical complications, the emotional impact on affected individuals and families is equally significant.
Medical professionals explain that miscarriage can occur due to several factors, and in most cases, it is not caused by anything the pregnant individual did.
A health professional at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, Mr Jonas, explained that one of the leading causes of miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities, where genetic problems prevent the foetus from developing properly.
He added that unmanaged health conditions can also increase the risk of pregnancy loss.
According to him, health challenges such as heart-related conditions may reduce blood flow and oxygen supply to the developing foetus, increasing the possibility of miscarriage.
He further identified hormonal imbalances, high blood pressure, and infections as other factors that may affect pregnancy.
A midwife at the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compound at Nsakina also highlighted lifestyle-related factors that may contribute to pregnancy loss.
She explained that smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, poor nutrition, and high levels of stress can expose pregnant individuals to increased risks.
The midwife further noted that age plays an important role, with older pregnant individuals facing a higher possibility of complications.
She added that miscarriage can be emotionally devastating because many women blame themselves and constantly question whether they could have done something differently to prevent the loss.
According to Mayo Clinic, most miscarriages occur during the first trimester of pregnancy, particularly between the first 13 and 20 weeks.
Some warning signs include vaginal bleeding, with or without pain, spotting, abdominal or pelvic cramps, lower back pain, fluid discharge from the vagina, and an unusually fast heartbeat.
Health professionals also warn about silent or missed miscarriages, where pregnancy loss occurs without noticeable bleeding or obvious symptoms.
Beyond the physical experience, miscarriage often leaves emotional scars that can last for a long time.
For many affected individuals, the loss brings feelings of grief, confusion, guilt, and emptiness as they struggle to cope with the sudden disappearance of a future they had imagined.
Some experience anxiety, depression, trauma, difficulty sleeping, and fear about attempting another pregnancy.
Others withdraw from family gatherings, particularly events involving babies or pregnant women, because such situations remind them of their own loss.
Partners are also affected emotionally and financially during this period.
Sharing their experience, Mr and Mrs Frimpong explained how their miscarriage affected them physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially.
Mr Frimpong said they lost their pregnancy at the 12th week and had to undergo medical procedures to remove the foetus. He explained that the process was followed by regular hospital visits, medication, and vitamin purchases, which placed a financial burden on the family.
He said the situation also affected his productivity at work because of the emotional stress and the difficulty of seeing his wife struggle silently with the loss.
According to him, the support of his mother during the difficult period played a major role in helping the couple recover emotionally.
Mrs Frimpong, however, admitted that she initially felt angry with her husband and mother-in-law because she believed some of their actions, including concerns about electrical safety at home, contributed to the miscarriage.
She said she became relieved after medical explanations revealed that although some factors could contribute to pregnancy complications, they were not necessarily the main cause of the loss.
Despite the pain associated with miscarriage, health professionals and affected families say recovery and hope remain possible.
The Frimpongs’ story reflects this possibility. After experiencing the loss, the couple eventually welcomed a healthy baby boy with support from loved ones and continued medical care.
A midwife at Osag Hospital, Nurse Phidelia, explained that couples are usually advised to avoid sexual intercourse for about two weeks after a miscarriage to reduce the risk of infection.
She added that although pregnancy can occur as early as two weeks after a miscarriage, individuals should seek medical advice before trying again.
According to her, couples planning another pregnancy should undergo medical assessments, including blood tests and chromosomal examinations where necessary, to ensure they are physically prepared.
She encouraged individuals experiencing miscarriage to seek professional support rather than suffering in silence.
Experts believe increased awareness and open conversations about miscarriage can help reduce stigma and emotional isolation among affected families.
Although miscarriage can be one of the most painful experiences a person goes through, survivors say healing is possible with proper medical care, emotional support, and understanding from family and society.
While the memory of the loss may never completely disappear, many affected individuals eventually find strength, rebuild their lives, and look forward to new beginnings.