Miscarriage is a deeply personal experience, yet it’s one that is often shaped by society’s expectations and assumptions. From the moment we announce our pregnancy, we’re bombarded with messages about what a “healthy” pregnancy looks like, and what it means to be a “good” mother. These messages can create a sense of pressure and anxiety, which can be difficult to shake even after a pregnancy loss.
One of the ways that society’s expectations can weigh heavily on people who have experienced a miscarriage is through the pressure to “move on” quickly. People may feel like they’re expected to get back to their normal routine as soon as possible, or to try to conceive again right away. This can be incredibly difficult for people who are still processing their grief, and who may need more time and space to heal.
Another way that society’s expectations can impact people who have experienced a miscarriage is through the pressure to keep their experience private. People may worry that they’ll be judged or stigmatized if they talk openly about their loss, or that they’ll be seen as “attention-seeking” or “dramatic.” This can create a sense of shame and isolation, which can make it even harder to cope with the loss.
It’s important to recognize that society’s expectations around miscarriage are often unrealistic and unhelpful. There’s no “right” way to grieve a pregnancy loss, and there’s no timeline for healing. It’s okay to take things at your own pace, and to seek out the support and resources that you need.