This is a loss. This is a moment in your life that will divide it into before and after. This is a baby who was real to you, a future that was real to you. This is grief, immediate and acute, and it is a grief that will continue to ask for your attention as you move through your life.

What to expect physically?

Your body is preparing to release the pregnancy. This process can unfold in many ways. You might experience cramping, which can range from mild to intense, similar to or more severe than menstrual cramps. You might also notice bleeding, which can start as light spotting and become heavier, sometimes with clots or tissue.

What to expect emotionally?

The emotional world after a miscarriage at eight weeks is complex and often turbulent. You might feel a deep sense of sadness, an ache that settles deep within you. This sadness is a direct response to the loss of your baby and the future you envisioned. It is a natural and necessary part of grief.

Allow yourself to feel whatever you are feeling. There is no need to push away sadness, anger, or confusion. These emotions are natural responses to a significant loss. Creating space for them, without judgment, can be a deep act of self-compassion. This means allowing yourself to cry when you need to, to express anger in a safe way, or to simply sit with the emptiness.

What other people get wrong?

Many people, even those with good intentions, often struggle with how to respond to miscarriage. They might say things that, while meant to comfort, can feel dismissive or hurtful. This is rarely out of malice, but often from a lack of understanding or discomfort with grief.

How to tell people about miscarriage at 8 weeks