Miscarriage can be a devastating event. A woman or her partner could be feeling pain from experiencing one. A woman's pain from a miscarriage can be emotional, physical, or both. Some couples might even be hesitant to try to get pregnant again after a miscarriage. Here's what you should know about dealing with miscarriages, common misconceptions, and why you may be able to try to get pregnant again after having one.

Coping With Miscarriages

While the emotional and physical pain of a miscarriage can be debilitating, you don't have to hold onto that pain forever. Stress relief techniques can be very beneficial in this situation.

Having a support network that may include friends and family, as well as doctors and therapists can really help you get through this rough time. Having a small funeral service or planting a garden in memory of the lost child can help as well, as can naming the lost child.

If you are experiencing emotional side effects due to miscarriage, do not be afraid to ask for help. If you have a friend that you trust, talking it out can be a great help.

You can also seek a therapist or psychiatrist. Doing so does not mean you are crazy. It simply means that you need help dealing with your emotions. The professional may suggest counseling, therapy, or prescription relief.

Be sure that you understand which treatment is best in your situation and what side effects, if any, might arise. If you take a medication and still plan on getting pregnant, be sure it has no effects on fertility or reproduction and will not interfere with your unborn child, should you get pregnant while on the medication.

Miscarriage Causes

In most cases, the fetus is miscarried by the body because the body recognizes that the fetus would not have developed normally. Certain operations and medically invasive procedures can also cause a miscarriage, as can stress or taking certain drugs and medications. Sometimes your doctor may be able to tell you the possible cause and other times, it isn't possible.

Common Misconceptions

Some people believe it is their fault when they miscarry, which is generally not the case. As mentioned above, most miscarriages are caused by underdevelopment or non-development of the fetus. There is nothing a mother can do about this natural occurrence.

There is also the misconception that if a woman has one miscarriage, then she cannot get pregnant. This is untrue, unless the woman has certain health conditions. In most cases, women who miscarry go on to have another child or even more than one. Miscarrying is not a cause of infertility or inability to have a normal pregnancy.

When To Try Again

There is no specific time recommendation as to the right time to try for conception after a miscarriage. It will differ in each individual case, depending on physical and emotional stability. However, 6 weeks is usually ample time for the body to heal. If you are emotionally and physically ready after 6 weeks, go ahead and try again (as long as your doctor has okayed this). If not, wait until you are.

*Please note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The information above is based on personal experience. Always speak with a qualified health professional for your medical and health needs.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Exercise during any pregnancy requires extra care. That is especially true in high-risk pregnancies. Having experienced this type of pregnancy condition more than once, I have learned quite a bit about what works, what is risky, and what the doctors may recommend. Along with the info I discovered and experienced, there are certain exercises that were approved by my doctor and worked well for my high-risk pregnancy.

Should Women With High-Risk Pregnancies Exercise?

It is important to remember that each woman's case is different. Your OB-Gyn (or other prenatal care specialist) will be your best source of information for what is right and what is not. There are some precautions all pregnant women should take, especially those who are considered high-risk, due to certain conditions or complications. If you exercised before pregnancy, doctors may recommend that you keep up the same routine, but tone it down to avoid rapid or jerky movements.

Some high-risk pregnancies may require bed rest, which means little to no exercise is allowed. An example of some who may not be allowed much exercise are those at risk of or diagnosed with preterm labor, cardiac disease, seizures, anemia, and other restricting conditions. However, according toNewswise, women with high-risk pregnancies due to pre-eclampsia may benefit greatly from stretching exercises. Always consult a physician before starting any exercise regimen during pregnancy. This is especially true for women at risk.

Exercises for High-Risk Pregnancies

Kegels - Most pregnant women know what kegels are. However, if you do not, kegels are tightening and releasing of the vaginal muscles for a set number of seconds, generally performed in sets. Since kegels do not require very much physical exertion, they are generally safe for high-risk pregnancies. Kegels can help to prepare the body for the birth, as well as prevent tearing during the labor.

Yoga Plank Pose - The Yoga Plank Pose is just like the pose you would get in to begin doing push-ups. This is generally a pretty safe pose, but with high-risk pregnancies, you'll want to be careful not to strain the abdominal muscles during this one. Also, be careful that you balance well. If your arm strength is not good, you may want to avoid this pose, so that you do not accidentally fall onto your stomach.

Yoga Sukhasana (Easy) Pose - The Sukhasana, or Easy Pose, is a seated yoga pose. To create this pose, sit in a cross-legged position, creating a triangle shape in between the thighs and ankles. The ankles should not be tucked close to the sitting bone in this position, as they sometimes are in other yoga positions like this. Place the hands atop the knees with the palms facing up and lengthen the tail bone to the floor, while sitting up tall. This position can be done for most any desired amount of time. In high-risk pregnancies, or any other pregnancy, caution against stretching the abdomen too much.

Yoga Padmasana (Lotus) Pose - The Lotus Pose, or Padmasana, is done quite similar to the Sukhasana Pose above. However, in the lotus pose, the feet should be pulled tighter to the body and placed across the opposite thigh with the soles facing up. As with in the Easy Pose exercise, be careful not to pull the abdominal muscles too tightly.

The Bridge Pose - For this exercise position, you will want to get on the floor (or a yoga mat) on all fours. Arch the back up toward the ceiling slowly. Then, lower it slowly. Repeat several times. Be careful of your abdominal muscles during this one. Normally, you will tighten them a great deal during this pose, but during pregnancy, you may want to do this more loosely.

Leg Stretches - If you are on bed rest during your pregnancy, your legs may not get the movement or exercise required for good circulation. Lie on your side with the legs extended. Slowly lift one leg up toward your head as far as it will go. Slowly release it back down. Repeat this several times. Then do the same with the other side. This exercise will help keep circulation going and help avoid bed sores and varicose veins.

Neck Rolls - Much like the legs, the neck may get sore and stiff and receive poor circulation if you are ordered on bed rest during pregnancy. Even if you are not on bed rest, neck soreness can still occur. You can do a few successions of neck rolls 2 or 3 times per day. This exercise should generally not be a threat to high-risk pregnancies.

Lengthening Stretch - This pose is done while lying flat in the bed. Place the arms over the head, reaching back as far as possible. Normally, you would want to stretch the entire body as hard and far as possible. However, during high-risk pregnancies, you will want to modify this slightly. Still stretch the entire body, but be careful not to pull too hard at the abdominal muscles.

Walking - Good old-fashioned walking is great for pregnancy, sometimes even high-risk pregnancies. Of course, as with all of the exercises, you will need to check with a medical professional familiar with your background, but many times, walking is the best exercise for pregnant women.

Pregnancy Squat - This exercise is good for labor preparation, even in some high risk pregnancies. Your prenatal specialist may suggest that this one is saved for the labor and delivery room. To do this exercise, first get in a standing position. If you cannot balance well, hold onto a chair or other piece of furniture. Turn the knees outward and bend them down until you can no longer go down any further. Stay in that position for several seconds. Then, come back up. Repeat a few more times. Precautions for this position may include induction of preterm labor or abdominal stretching.

Things to Watch for During Exercise in High-Risk Pregnancies

Exercise can go smoothly, but sometimes things can also go wrong. Here are just some of the warning signs to look for. Consult your regular prenatal medical professional for information specific to you.

***Note: The author is not a medical professional, but is simply sharing her personal experience and studies. Always consult with a medical professional before doing any exercises during a high-risk pregnancy and even in general. Each person's body and situation is different.

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

There are several different types of FDA-approved birth control. Do not be afraid to discuss birth control effectiveness with a licensed medical professional. To get you started, here is a brief overview of the types of birth control on the market today.

The first and most important thing to remember is that abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100 percent effective. However, if used properly, there are forms of birth control that are nearly that effective.


Will You Get Pregnant While Using Birth Control?

This can never be answered with 100% accuracy. Even with very effective forms of birth control, it is possible to get pregnant. Anyone who is sexually active should keep this in mind and be prepared in case that does happen. Choosing which form of birth control is right for you should involve personal preferences as well as doctor recommendations. Birth control effectiveness is different for each person, depending upon usage, accuracy, efficacy, and other factors.

Effectiveness of  Surgical Birth Control

According to the FDA, female sterilization surgery shows the highest instance of birth control effectiveness next to abstinence. Second in line for birth control effectiveness is female sterilization by implant. Next is sterilization surgery for men. The implantable rod, the IUD, and the hormonal injection shot follow.

The implantable rod is most commonly referred to as Norplant. There are several different types of IUD. Birth control effectiveness in the IUD seems to be about the same for each type. Which type is used may depend on different medical issues such as cervical cancer history, family medical history and other important factors. Only a doctor can properly determine the appropriate IUD type.


Hormonal Birth Control’s Effectiveness

The hormonal injection shot is better known as Depo-Provera. This consists of female hormonal shots that are given every 3 months. Birth control effectiveness with those methods depends on whether the woman is sure to follow up regularly and on time. A woman who follows the doctor's recommendations will get more birth control effectiveness from Depo-Provera than one who misses scheduled doses.

All of these methods are reported by the FDA to have instances of 1 in 100 women getting pregnant when using them properly. It is important also to note that while condoms are not 100 percent effective as a birth control method (11-16 in 100 women whose male partners use condoms will get pregnant), male condoms are still the most effective protection available against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs.

How Effective Are Methods Like the Pill and Contraceptive Ring?

Various types of birth control pill, patch and the vaginal contraceptive ring also are very effective. The FDA reports that 5 in 100 women get pregnant when using these methods as instructed. That is more than the most effective methods, but still a relatively low number compared with no form of birth control. In 100 women who engage in sexual intercourse without the use of any form of contraceptive, 85 will become pregnant.


The Effectiveness of Combining Birth Control Methods

Combining more than one form of birth control can give greater chances of birth control effectiveness. For instance, a condom alone is not the best protection against pregnancy. However, using a male condom along with birth control pills is more effective than using just the condom alone. Plus, birth control pills do not have any effectiveness against STDs.

Birth control effectiveness is the highest when a patient heeds the advice of her doctor and uses her chosen form of birth control properly. If there are doses to take, they should always be taken on time to retain birth control effectiveness. If a dose is missed, follow the doctor's directions on the best way to regain birth control effectiveness.

What About Plan B?

While this form of birth control isn't for regular use, it is a good option for some after an unplanned encounter. This form of emergency contraceptive can be used up to around 3 to 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is likely to be. It can be obtained over the counter at many pharmacies and even retailers, such as Amazon.

There are also other birth control methods such as female condoms, spermicide, the cervical cap, and many more.

*Please discuss with your doctor which method or combination of contraception methods is best for you, personally. Everyone has different needs and results.

* I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

UPDATED 8/13/2018 to include emergency contraceptive info.