Discussing miscarriage on Glow

Statistics suggest that 1 in 5 women experience a miscarriage,  a few years ago, I was that one in five.

It's very scary - but pregnancy loss can happen to anyone at any point. Some of us deal with it in silence. Some lean on others for support. Some seek medical help. Many do not. The only thing we all share is our grief. The grief of the unknown, the unknowable, the loss of that baby with unlimited potential. 

The grief of miscarriage haunts you. It haunted me. For four very long years, in my happiest moment, I paused and thought of the child I had failed to conceive. That I had miscarried. That I had failed, over and over again. Miscarriage hurts in other ways as well. It robbed from me the joy of all of my subsequent pregnancies. Instead of hope - I was filled with "What if?" and "What now?"  I was worried and anxious. I over-analyzed every pain. I googled every symptom or lack thereof. I held my breath for 39 weeks -- I finally exhaled when I held my baby in my arms. And only she finally eased the pain and began to fill the hole in my heart.

As women who are pregnant, I know that many of you do not want to read or even think about miscarriage. It's an evil thought best banished from our minds. But that's simply not fair to those among us who need support, who need help, who need to express their worries. There is healing power in words and we cannot deny them this much comfort, not when they have suffered as they have. 

No matter what, I will always believe in the best of the Glow Community. How can I not, when every day I have a front row seat to the endless compassion women here display towards each other.

And so, I want to ask you – personally – to choose your words with care when you discuss this important topic – especially if you yourself have never experienced a miscarriage. 

Thank you for hearing me out.