It’s one of those things you hope never happens to you but when it does, it simply does. You can feel really helpless and vulnerable at this time. Your first port of call should be to your midwife or obstetrician so they can assess what is going on.
Threatened miscarriage is described as vaginal bleeding before 20 gestational weeks. It is the most common complication reported during pregnancy, occurring in about a fifth of cases, according to an article published in the British Medical Journal, entitled Threatened Miscarriage: Evaluation and Management.*
It’s really normal to start to wonder if there’s anything you might have done to bring it on, but the answer is most likely no. It is and was beyond your control. It’s important to stay present with your feelings, whatever they may be, and not stuff them down deep into your heart. If you’re upset then you’re upset and that’s okay.
If you’re worried beyond belief then you’re worried. If you’re sad or mad, then that’s what you are. Don’t try to be anything other than what you are. That’s step number one. You can say to yourself “I’m Sarah and I feel sad. I’m Sarah and I feel …” Keep doing that until you feel like you’ve hit the nail on the head. In the acceptance of your feelings comes some relief.
Step two is calming yourself with some positive affirmations like this: “I’m Sarah and I’ve been in touch with my midwife. I’m Sarah and now I have to wait. I’m Sarah and I’m doing all that I can. I’m Sarah and I am enough.” Say things to yourself that you might say to a friend and that should start to make you feel a bit better and able to cope with what’s going on.
Step three is action. Whilst you’re waiting for the bleeding to stop, you might like to try some acupressure to help calm your nerves and to encourage the bleeding to stop and encourage your overall energy (Qi) to lift upwards.
We would suggest using these acupressure points, either on yourself or if your partner is around, ask them to do it: KD-1, BL-23 and GV-20.
KD-1 is the first point on the Kidney energy channel. It’s on the bottom of your foot. It really grounds your mind and your energy. So if you’re worried and you want to calm down, this is the point for you, possibly for you and your hubby. It can be a tough time whilst you’re waiting. Press this point for five minutes really firmly, on both feet, one after the other, at least once a day.
Serious Location: the point is found in a slight depressions created when the foot is in plantar flexion (i.e. slightly extended, so the arches activate), about 1/3 the distance from the toes to heel.
BL-23 is on the Bladder energy channel and relates to the Kidneys. From a Chinese medical point of view, you need strong Kidneys to have a strong pregnancy, so pressing this point will help that. Pop your hands on your hips with thumbs towards your back. Feel into the gap between your back ribs and your hip bone, now move towards the spine. The spot is on the main back muscles (erector spinae) just next to your spine. Press into each point firmly for three to five minutes at least once a day.
Serious Location: On the low back, below the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
GV-20 is on the Governor channel. This point is on the very top of your head. What it does it pull energy up. We often use this point to help pull haemorrhoids back up with great success. Miscarriage is said to be a “fallen foetus” in Chinese Medicine so this helps focus your body’s energy on “lifting up” the foetus and preventing blood from leaving the uterus. Locate the tops of your ears on both sides. Draw a line from them to where you would imagine a string to be if your head was attached at the top to the ceiling. That’s where the point is. You can tap it quite vigorously or simply press this point. Use this at 1-3 times a day for a good five minutes.
Serious Location: Follow the line from the two ear tips upwards. Where the two lines meet, there GV-20 lies in a small depression, which is known as the fontanel.
*[BMJ. July 17, 2004: 329(7458):152-155].