Rani Mukerji talks about miscarriage: Dos and don’ts during pregnancy

Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji talked about a personal tragedy during the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, shedding light on the emotional journey she underwent before filming her latest movie, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, released in March 2023. Mukerji disclosed that she suffered a miscarriage five months into her second pregnancy during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

3 things you need to know

• Rani Mukerji bravely reveals her miscarriage, sparking awareness.
• Medical insights highlight causes and steps to reduce risk.
• Psychological support is crucial; experts emphasize coping strategies.

Miscarriage, a deeply emotional and often unspoken topic, affects countless families worldwide. The ordeal leaves many questioning the cause, the reasons, and how to cope with the profound loss. Republic Digital sought insights from medical and psychological experts to shed light on this sensitive issue.

Addressing Miscarriage and its Complexities

Dr. Smita Deo, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Ankura Hospital, provided valuable insights into the common causes of miscarriages. "Common causes of miscarriages include genetic abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and uterine issues. Maternal age and health can impact miscarriage risk, with older age and certain health conditions increasing the likelihood," explained Dr. Deo.

(Common causes of miscarriages include genetic abnormalities | Image: Shutterstock)

Proactive Measures to Reduce Risk: Expert Recommendations

Dr. Deo also highlighted proactive measures to reduce the risk of experiencing pregnancy loss. "Taking prenatal vitamins, maintaining a healthy weight, managing chronic conditions, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and attending regular prenatal care appointments can reduce miscarriage risk," she advised.

Navigating the Emotional Terrain: The Psychological Impact

Shifting the focus to the emotional aspect, Dr. Prince Gupta, a Consultant Psychiatrist, delved into the emotional aftermath of miscarriage. "Early pregnancy loss is a shocking and traumatic event not only for women but also for their families," said Dr. Gupta. He emphasized that nearly 20% of women who experience a miscarriage become symptomatic for depression and/or anxiety, with symptoms often persisting for 1 to 3 years, impacting subsequent pregnancies and overall quality of life.

(Early pregnancy loss is a shocking and traumatic event not only for women but also for their families | Image: Shutterstock)

Dr. Gupta stressed the importance of seeking professional psychological support after a miscarriage. "Apart from early detection of psychiatric illness in suspected mothers, there are obvious situations where psychiatry can play a useful role," he explained. This includes supporting women with histories of postpartum depression, those with severe mental disorders, and those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Empowering Healing Through Psychological Strategies

Dr. Shilpi Saraswat, a Clinical Psychologist at Sakra World Hospital, shared evidence-based coping mechanisms and psychological strategies. "Grief counseling, healthy habits, gratitude journaling, cognitive restructuring strategies, short-term goals, acceptance and commitment strategies, emotional support, and setting social boundaries can all aid in managing grief and emotional distress," she detailed.

(Doctor shared evidence-based coping mechanisms and psychological strategies | Image: Shutterstock)

Furthermore, the importance of self-care practices was emphasized as a vital aspect of recovery. "Establishing routines for exercise, hydration, nutrition, and sleep are crucial. Engaging in motivational activities, meeting friends, adopting new hobbies, and practicing daily self-care activities can contribute to healing and resilience," advised Dr. Saraswat.

Rani Mukerji's openness about her personal tragedy brings much-needed attention to the often-stigmatized topic of miscarriage. As medical and psychological experts emphasize, addressing the physical and emotional dimensions of this experience is vital for both individual healing and societal understanding. The insights from professionals shed light on the complexity of miscarriage, its causes, and the ways individuals and couples can navigate the journey towards healing and hope.