Miscarriages can happen, and it’s not easy.

Despite the fact that almost 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, there is still a lot of misinformation and myths surrounding this topic.

As a doula in Scottsdale, I’ve seen firsthand how harmful these myths can be to pregnant women and their partners.

That’s why I’m here to debunk six of the most common miscarriage myths and provide you with the truth. If you’ve ever worried about miscarriage or known someone who has, keep reading to learn more.

Myth 1: Miscarriages only happen in the first trimester.

Truth: While most miscarriages do occur in the first trimester, they can occur at any stage of pregnancy. In fact, miscarriages that happen later in pregnancy are often even more devastating for parents.

Myth 2: If you’ve had one miscarriage, you’re likely to have another.

Truth: While the risk of miscarriage does increase slightly after one occurrence, most women who have one miscarriage go on to have successful pregnancies. Only about 1% of pregnancies end in recurrent miscarriage (three or more in a row).

Myth 3: Stress causes miscarriages.
Truth: The exact cause of miscarriage is often unknown, but stress is generally not considered a direct cause. It’s important to manage stress during pregnancy, but don’t blame yourself if you experience a loss.

Myth 4: Losing a twin is less traumatic than a singleton pregnancy loss.
Truth: The loss of a pregnancy, whether it’s one or two babies, is devastating for parents. Losing one twin may have unique challenges, such as the guilt that can come with feeling like you “chose” one baby over the other. But it’s important to recognise that in both cases, parents experience grief and loss.

Myth 5: A woman can prevent a miscarriage by being physically active.
Truth: Exercise is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it’s not a guarantee against miscarriage. Leading a healthy lifestyle is always a good idea, but it’s important to remember that some miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities, which are largely out of a woman’s control.

Myth 6: If you have a miscarriage, it’s because you did something wrong.
Truth: Nothing a woman does causes a miscarriage. It’s not your fault if you experience a loss, and it’s important to surround yourself with supportive people who understand this.

Miscarriage can be one of the most painful experiences a person can go through.

It’s a time when myths and misinformation can only make things worse. As a doula, I am here to help educate pregnant women and their partners in Scottsdale that miscarriage is common and that myths above are just that…myths. We need to break society’s silence on pregnancy losses and be kind, supportive of those who experience miscarriage. Remember, there’s usually nothing a woman can do to prevent a miscarriage, and it’s vital that this message is spread to all pregnant women, whether they’re expecting their first or fifth child.