Factors of Physical and Psychological Symptoms in Women after Miscarriage

Purpose: The study aimed to explore the health consequences that women experienced after miscarriage and the factors related to them. Methods: A convenience sample consisting of 102 women who had miscarried within 2 years was used. Women were recruited from hospitals and enterprises in Seoul and Gyeong-Gi Province. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire containing a physical and psychological symptoms checklist developed for this study. Results: More than 40% of the miscarriages occurred after 9 weeks of pregnancy and 35% of women were found to have had a previous miscarriage prior to this study. Psychological symptoms were more prevalent and prolonged than the physical symptoms, furthermore, the frequencies of the symptoms experienced were not consistent with the duration of symptoms. Employed women and women with early miscarriages complained of more physical symptoms; however, psychological symptoms were not different according to women's characteristics. Employment was a significant factor affecting physical symptoms. Conclusion: Health care professionals need to inform and educate women and the family of the potential health changes during the recovery after the miscarriage. Health consequences due to miscarriages also need to be incorporated in women's reproductive health care. Nursing care should consider factors of maternal age, employment status, and obstetrical conditions upon the apparent social changes.