Pregnancy loss is an extremely traumatic experience for any woman, leaving physical and emotional consequences in its wake. According to the World Health Organization, 10-15% women aware of their pregnancy suffer from a miscarriage.

Suffering a pregnancy loss, no matter what stage of pregnancy it was in, is hard enough, but for working women it brings additional dilemma. Given that one needs time to get over the loss, the need to return to work after a pregnancy loss can add to the stress and anguish. Working women are often expected to return to work and resume their ‘routine’, something which they are not prepared for immediately. How does one then cope with returning to work after a pregnancy loss without affecting their emotional health and taking time to come to terms with their loss?

After a pregnancy loss, a woman might not be prepared to go back to work immediately. This is more the case when the loss was suffered towards the end of the term as opposed to an early miscarriage. You might want more time to grieve and get over your loss and additionally, your physician might recommend that you take more time as your body needs to heal physically too. Every company has its own policy when it comes to giving time off to employees for personal reasons but do not carry any preconceived notions–workplaces are sympathetic towards the distress of their employees. Hence, it is important that you keep the communication lines clear and open. If you have suffered a pregnancy loss and feel that the time off you have been given is not enough for you to recuperate in, speak to your boss or the human resources department. If you feel that you are ready to start working but are unable to bring yourself to do so in the hustle bustle of the office environment, you can also request your employer to allow you to work from home or seek shorter, flexible work hours.

You need not suffer through your pregnancy loss alone. Your friends and family will be there to support you but additionally, you can also rely on people in the office you feel close to. It is advisable that you speak to your boss or immediate supervisor even if you do not wish to share the information with more of your colleagues. By sharing your loss with your boss, you will create a support system where there will be someone at the workplace who will understand why you need more time off or why you need to leave early without leading to awkward questions. So far as your other colleagues are concerned, if you are not prepared to share to share your loss with them, you need not necessarily do so. If you feel you are ready to share your news, you can choose to control the amount of information you will share. You can request your boss or a trusted friend among colleagues to share the details and request for privacy as well if you do not feel ready to deal with the sympathy and questions from colleagues.

The process of getting over a pregnancy loss and getting back to work is not the same for every woman. Some women may find it easier to return to their old duties and responsibilities at once while others may feel pressured and unable to cope with their job immediately. When you are prepared mentally and feel strong enough to return to work after a pregnancy loss, you can resort to the following tips to make a gradual return and also take care of your mental wellbeing:

Speak to a grief counsellor: If you are returning to work and find yourself overwhelmed with balancing the job and coping with your loss, you can speak to a grief counsellor for guidance. They can help you find the best strategies to overcome your feelings of depression and anxiety and guide you through your return.

Take ‘me’ time during office hours: After a pregnancy loss, you might not feel up to socializing with coworkers and having fun. To take a breather, use your break time to spend some time in solitude. You can take a walk, get a cup of coffee or just meditate for a few minutes. This will help you find peace

Keep busy: For many women, immersing themselves in their work routine helps in getting over the grief and pain of a pregnancy loss. While it may not be advisable to jump into work straightaway, take on as much work as you are able to cope with without getting too burdened.

Maintain a positive attitude: It might appear hard but try to keep a positive attitude when you return to work after a pregnancy loss. Keep away from people and things that stress you out and spend time with people who will help you cope.

Everyone has different ways of coping with grief and the feelings of loss that come in the wake of a miscarriage. Returning to work may help some women while others may find it difficult to go back to the same busy routine without feeling anxious and depressed. Time is the healing factor, so hold yourself together and in time, move to new beginnings, with the support of your loved ones and supportive colleagues.

-By Dr Karnika Tiwari Consultant- Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Motherland Hospital, Noida

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the doctors are their independent professional judgment and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. This should not be considered as a substitute for physician's advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details