Thinking of those who are hurting today
I've never gone through a pregnancy or infant loss and I'm extremely thankful. While I'm thankful, my heart aches at the same time for anyone who has experienced that kind of loss. I'm glad we can bring awareness for National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (October 15th).
When I found out what today was, I immediately thought of my friend Kate. Kate was on Season 1 of the podcast, Episode 15: Her Infertility Story Involves At Least Five Miscarriages. Yes, you read that correctly. She suffered at least five miscarriages that she knows of. Her positive and upbeat attitude helped her get through the losses and in the episode, she offers hope for anyone struggling.
After I thought about Kate, I flashbacked to when I saw this post from Chrissy Teigan on Instagram:
Initially, when I saw that post, my heart dropped. I had to read the caption a few times. I cannot even fathom the hurt and pain Chrissy and her family felt that day and will continue to feel.
If you have suffered a loss, I'm thinking of you today.
Did you know? -
· In 1988, US President Ronald Reagan declared October as a month to recognize the unique grief of bereaved parents in an effort to demonstrate support to the many families who have suffered such a tragic loss.
· About 1 pregnancy in 100 at 20 weeks of pregnancy and later is affected by stillbirth, and each year about 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States.
· What can be done? Be sure that medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, are under control before and during pregnancy; avoid smoking during pregnancy; strive to reach and maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy.
· For women who know they’re pregnant, about 10 to 15 in 100 pregnancies (10 to 15 percent) end in miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. Miscarriage in the second trimester (between 13 and 19 weeks) happens in 1 to 5 in 100 (1 to 5 percent) pregnancies.
· About 1 in 100 women (1 percent) have repeat miscarriages. Most women who have repeat miscarriages (50 to 75 in 100 or 75 percent) have an unknown cause.
Sources: