For Someone Who Has Experienced a Miscarriage
We are sorry for your loss
A miscarriage can give rise to many different emotions and thoughts. You are not alone in your situation, and help and support are available if needed.
The maternity and child health clinic (neuvola) offers the opportunity for one support appointment where you can talk about your experience, the feelings related to it and any questions you may have. It is a good idea to book an appointment fairly soon after the miscarriage, as early support can make it easier to process what has happened. However, you can also book an appointment later, usually within a year of the miscarriage, when you feel ready. The appointment can be conducted by video or by telephone.
During the support appointment, you can:
• talk through your experience of what happened
• explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment
• receive support for recovery and strengthening your personal coping resources
• ask questions related to the miscarriage
• discuss the future and planning for a possible new pregnancy
Seeking support does not require that you are experiencing a severe crisis or significant symptoms. Sometimes, simply having the opportunity to pause and reflect on the experience can be helpful. If needed, we can also acknowledge and discuss the partner’s experience during the appointment.
Contact
Maternity clinic (neuvola)
- Lunna chat, open on weekdays from 8.00 to 16.00
- By phone 029 151 2400, open on weekdays from 9.00 to 12.00
Your local health station
- Lunna digital clinic, open daily from 8.00 to 20.00
- By phone: See the contact details of your health station
Various symptoms can occur during pregnancy and do not necessarily mean that a miscarriage is taking place. However, some symptoms may indicate a miscarriage or require an assessment by a healthcare professional.
Possible symptoms
- vaginal bleeding or spotting
- lower abdominal or lower back pain
- cramping or contractions similar to menstrual pain
- passing blood clots or tissue through the vagina
- sudden reduction or disappearance of pregnancy symptoms
Good to know
Bleeding during early pregnancy is relatively common and does not always indicate a miscarriage.
If you have only a small amount of brownish, light pink, or clear discharge when wiping and no significant pain, you can usually monitor the situation at home.
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant and are RhD negative, contact healthcare services to assess the need for anti-D prophylaxis.
Contact the neuvola or your health station if:
- the bleeding is light or moderate
- the pain is mild or moderate
- your general condition is good
Maternity clinic (neuvola): Lunna chat, open on weekdays from 8.00 to 16.00
By phone 029 151 2400, open on weekdays from 9.00 to 12.00
Your local health station: Lunna digital clinic, open daily from 8.00 to 20.00
By phone: See the contact details of your health station
Contact Women's Hospital if you experience:
- very heavy bleeding
- severe pain
- fainting
- severe dizziness or weakness
- fever or signs of infection
- suspected ectopic pregnancy
Emergency Department of the Women's Hospital, open 24 hours a day: 09 471 72913
Emergency Helpline 116 117, open 24 hours a day: 116 117
During the contact, the need for further examinations and the urgency of the situation will be assessed. If necessary, you will be referred for laboratory testing and medical evaluation.
What will be assessed during the contact?
Healthcare professionals may ask about:
- gestational age (pregnancy weeks)
- amount and duration of bleeding
- severity of pain
- other symptoms
- your general condition
Assessment of the situation
The situation is assessed based on symptoms, medical history, and, when necessary, examinations.
The assessment may include:
- discussion of symptoms and wellbeing
- gynecological examination
- ultrasound examination
- blood tests
These examinations help determine whether the pregnancy is progressing normally, whether a miscarriage has occurred, or whether additional follow-up is needed.
If a miscarriage is confirmed
If examinations confirm a miscarriage, you will receive information about:
- your situation
- treatment options
- follow-up care and monitoring
Miscarriage is a common pregnancy complication and is usually not caused by anything the parents did or failed to do.
A miscarriage can evoke many different emotions.
You may experience:
- sadness
- disappointment
- feelings of emptiness
- anger
- uncertainty
- guilt
- relief
It is also common to feel very little emotionally or for feelings to emerge only later. Sometimes the significance of the event becomes clear only weeks or months afterward.
A miscarriage is generally not caused by anything you did or did not do.
Everyone experiences loss in their own way. There is no right or wrong way to react.
Additional information and support
Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County family counselling services: Family health clinic
MIELI Mental Health Finland: Support and Help(external link)
Simpukka Association: Support for Those Who Have Experienced a Miscarriage (page in Finnish)(external link)
Naistalo: Miscarriage Information (page in Finnish and Swedish)(external link)
Most miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, but some risk factors can be influenced through lifestyle choices.
There are generally no medical barriers to trying for a new pregnancy after a miscarriage. You may start trying again as soon as you feel emotionally and physically ready and your pregnancy test is negative.
When planning a pregnancy, healthy lifestyle habits support both fertility and pregnancy, including:
- stopping the use of nicotine products
- avoiding alcohol and other intoxicating substances
- maintaining a varied and healthy diet
- achieving a healthy body weight
- taking folic acid supplementation (0.4 mg daily) before conception
More information about lifestyle factors that support pregnancy is available at: Wellbeing Services
If you need more extensive support for lifestyle changes or for quitting smoking, nicotine products, or other substances, please explore the digital pathways available in Lunna and the wellbeing services website of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County: Wellbeing Services
If your physical recovery differs from your usual state of health, please contact your health station.
Lunna digital pathways
A Digital Pathway is an electronic service that provides timely information, guidance, and support on various topics.
Available pathways include:
- Quit Smoking (duration: 14 weeks)
- Drink Less (duration: 12 weeks)
- Make Exercise a Habit (duration: 13 weeks)
- Sleep Better (duration: 13 weeks)
- Eat Healthier (duration: 13 weeks)
- Feel Better (duration: 16 weeks)
If this text is intended for publication on the Lunna platform, I can also help you adapt the English version to a more patient-friendly and internationally natural healthcare style.