Post-Miscarriage: What to Eat to Recover Properly

We are sorry that something so heartbreaking happened. If you’re here, chances are you are looking it up for yourself or someone dear to you who has gone through a miscarriage.

Did you know that, while it may not look like a lot in statistics, miscarriage is unfortunately quite common among pregnant women? In Singapore, a rough estimate suggests that 10 to 20 out of every 100 pregnancies end in a miscarriage.

Many women resume their pre-pregnancy lifestyle immediately following a miscarriage. While they may feel fine doing so, this should not be the way to go about it. 

Someone who has been pregnant, regardless of the outcome of the pregnancy, should be treated and looked after with the same care and attention as someone who practices confinement.

The reality is that your body is undergoing a huge transformation. A miscarriage may affect one in more ways than meets the eye. It may also take a toll on your body, depending on how far along you were when it occurred.

Post-miscarriage symptoms may be remarkably similar to postpartum symptoms. In fact, just like the confinement period, the physical effects of a miscarriage may take up to six weeks to be treated. 

This is to be expected as your body has already adjusted and adapted itself to becoming a home for a growing baby. Hence, it is encouraged that you plan a healthy diet similar to one intended for recovering from childbirth, such as that of a Chinese confinement diet.

So, the main question is: what to eat after miscarriage for fast recovery? Let’s dive right in with the list of confinement food for miscarriage recovery:

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To increase your red blood cell count and blood production in your body, you will need to increase your intake of iron and Vitamin B12.

The best part is that there are many delicious iron-rich foods available, including red meat, fish, and leafy greens like spinach and kale. All of these are prominent sources of iron, which work in your red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout your body.

Eating nutritious foods that are high in iron can also substantially reduce your risk of anaemia and prevent fatigue. Additionally, try to drink blood nourishing drinks like red dates tea on a daily basis.

Food to boost blood production

Blood nourishing drinks can also help replenish your ascorbic acid or Vitamin C levels, which are known to effectively aid the body’s absorption of iron for better blood production. Foods that are rich in folate would also play a part in replenishing the blood.

Additionally, blood loss can cause dehydration, which can affect your complexion. This is where Vitamin C plays the biggest role, as it can hasten the formation of collagen and heal your wounds.

So, increase your intake of foods rich in Vitamin C like cauliflower, papaya, and broccoli. Foods that are rich in folate are Spinach, Amaranth, Broccoli and Kailan..

Food to repair body tissues

Miscarriage confinement food includes food to repair body tissues. Here’s why.

After a pregnancy loss, your womb expels tissues that may resemble a foetus or a fully formed baby – depending on how far along you were. As this occurs, your body will continue to work on repairing and building more tissues, which you could assist with the right foods. Foods that are a good source of Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Zinc. These are foods that help to rebuild collagen and promote wound healing.

Protein is among the best. In fact, it is good if your protein portion is at least 1 third of your plate. Lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and soy products are excellent sources of protein and zinc. Just make sure to remove the fats and skin from the meat you’re eating so that you’re getting mostly protein and not the extra fats. It is important to include fruits and vegetables in your diet too as these are foods that would also be able to provide you vitamins A and C. 

Food to give you energy

Even if you have plenty of time to rest, it will not be enough to recharge your batteries. That is why carbohydrates are also on your list of foods to eat.

The main function of carbs is to provide energy to your body, which you truly need after what you’ve been through. If you deprive your body of its main source of fuel, you may be too weak to carry out your daily routine.

However, if you want to limit refined carbs like white flour, white bread, white rice, and sweets, you can substitute them with whole-wheat pasta, brown rice and whole wheat bread. If you want to add more variety, some starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and corn, also make good sources of carbs.

Food to decrease milk supply

If you were already far along when it occurred, you might still lactate after the loss.

So, to alleviate the aches in your breasts caused by blocked milk ducts and to prevent engorgement, you can place cold cabbage over your breast to help ease the engorgement and reduce milk supply. .

On the other hand, if you have an overabundance of breast milk supply and you would like to reduce it, foods like parsley and peppermint are known to help a lot.

You May Also Read: Confinement Food and Recipes to Improve Your Lactation

Food to lift your mood

Last but not least, food to lift your mood, also known as “comfort food.”

Miscarriages are always more difficult to cope with emotionally. That is exactly why you should eat foods that can boost the production of feel-good hormones. One such food is dark chocolate as it contains magnesium which has been found to potentially reduce depressive symptoms especially in women who had an increase intake in magnesium

According to research, there are also other foods salmon that are claimed to be  helpful in providing antioxidants and neuroprotective effects from depression in the brain.

Final thoughts

One thing to keep in mind is that, aside from carefully planning your diet of what to eat after miscarriage, you should also treat yourself with the utmost care. This includes not lifting heavy items. Even in the early stages of pregnancy, your body undergoes big changes, from morning sickness to overwhelming fatigue.

So, no matter where or how your pregnancy ended, it is important that you prioritise your recovery above all else. And that starts with knowing what to eat after a miscarriage.

If you need more ideas on what to eat, you could always look through our menu or talk to us at Tian Wei Signature!