For many, miscarriage isn’t just a sad event — it feels traumatic. Flashbacks, nightmares, panic at the thought of pregnancy, or intense anxiety around medical appointments are common. This can be more than grief: it can be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Mental Health Impact of Miscarriage
Research shows miscarriage can trigger more than sadness:
It's estimated that between 25% - 35% of women experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or OCD in the months after loss.
A significant number experience PTSD, especially if the miscarriage was sudden, later in pregnancy, or medically intense.
Why Miscarriage Can Feel Traumatic
Shock factor: Many miscarriages happen unexpectedly, during what should have been a joyful time.
Medicalization of loss: ER visits, emergency procedures, or passing tissue at home can all be overwhelming.
Silence and stigma: Grieving in isolation intensifies the trauma.
Repeated losses: Each loss compounds the impact, making recovery harder.
Signs of PTSD After Miscarriage
Flashbacks of the miscarriage experience
Nightmares or intrusive thoughts
Avoidance of pregnancy-related reminders
Intense anxiety about trying again
Feeling emotionally numb or detached
Healing and Support
PTSD is not weakness — it’s a valid response to trauma. Help is available:
Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed counseling are effective.
Support groups: Sharing your story reduces isolation.
Medical support: Talk to your provider about treatment if symptoms are overwhelming.
“I miscarried months ago, but I still cry every time I walk past the hospital. It’s like my body hasn’t moved on.”
Key Takeaways
Miscarriage can lead to PTSD, not just grief.
Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance.
Support from therapy, community, and medical professionals can help.
Healing takes time — and your pain is valid.
✨ We’re building Sibyl to provide compassionate, evidence-based support for the mental health impacts of miscarriage — including PTSD. Through guided prompts, coping strategies, and resources, Sibyl aims to help you feel seen and supported. If you’d like to be part of shaping Sibyl, sign up for our beta.
Source:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31953115/
