A second-trimester loss, often called a late miscarriage, usually happens between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. By this point, you may have seen your baby’s heartbeat, picked out names, or imagined your future together. When that hope is suddenly taken away, the grief can be overwhelming. Your pain is real. And your story matters.

The terms used in medical spaces can be confusing or even painful. Words like "fetal demise," "spontaneous abortion," or "non-viable pregnancy" are often said clinically, but they may not reflect the love and life you experienced. It’s okay to use your own words. You had a baby. You had dreams. You had a bond. Medical language should never diminish your story.

Loss in the second trimester can happen in many ways. Some women go into labor naturally. Others require medical induction or a surgical procedure like a D&E. There’s no right or wrong way, only what’s right for you. You may have delivered at home or in the hospital. You may have bled heavily or not at all. You may still be bleeding, cramping, or sore. If your body has started producing milk, you might be engorged. All of this can feel cruel when your arms are empty. We see you.

Some parents choose to see or hold their baby. Others don’t. You may have been asked quickly or not at all. It’s okay to have regrets. It’s okay to have questions. If you did spend time with your baby, we hope you were given the space and dignity you deserved. If you weren’t, please know you still have the right to grieve, remember, and honor your baby in your own way. Naming your baby, writing them a letter, or planting something in their memory can be a part of that healing.

There are many potential causes: chromosomal abnormalities, infection, issues with the uterus or placenta, or unknown reasons. Sometimes, even with testing, you may not get a clear answer. Please know that it is not your fault. Nothing you ate, said, thought, or didn’t do caused this. Your love did not fall short.

You can ask your provider about testing including genetic tests or pathology reports to help understand what happened. Some families want answers. Others don’t. Both choices are okay. There’s no timeline. You can ask now or later. You can change your mind.

An autopsy is a medical examination that may be offered to learn more about what happened. It can include internal and external exams. You can consent to all or part of it. You can ask about how your baby will be handled. It’s your decision, and there’s no wrong choice.

Some hospitals offer options for burial or cremation. Some families make their own arrangements. Others don’t have a choice. You can ask: Will I receive ashes? Can I choose a funeral home? Are there memorial services? If you weren’t given options, your grief is still valid. Your baby’s life still mattered.

You can name your baby. You can light a candle. You can write a letter, get a tattoo, or plant a tree. You can cry every day or hold your memories close and quiet. All of it is real. All of it is love.

Some places offer a certificate of life, a certificate of stillbirth, or a memorial keepsake. Ask your provider or hospital what’s available in your state. If you didn’t receive one, you can create your own tribute. A name, a date, a photo, a poem, it’s yours to define.

You might feel okay one day and crushed the next. Some feel anger, others guilt, and some go numb. Your hormones are shifting. Your heart is healing. Your body is recovering from birth. It’s okay to feel messy. You are not broken. You are grieving.

Partners grieve differently. Some want to talk. Some pull away. They may feel pressure to be strong or unsure how to help. Try to share what you need. And give each other grace. You’re both navigating loss just in your own ways.

Yes, you should be offered a follow-up appointment. This is a time to talk about your physical recovery, ask about test results, and discuss future steps. Write down questions. Bring someone with you if you want. You deserve care, not just closure.

You don’t have to think about this now. Some want to try again soon. Others need time or choose not to try again at all. There’s no rule. If and when you do, your experience will be different. You’re allowed to feel scared and hopeful at once.

Your body may begin producing milk, even after a miscarriage. This can feel like an added layer of pain. If you want to stop milk production, you can wear a tight-fitting, non-stimulating bra like the JENNAbra, apply cold compresses, avoid warm water on your chest, and drink peppermint or sage tea. Some women find that gentle compression and cabbage leaves help ease the swelling. Whatever you choose, there is no shame. Your body is responding to love.

Many families feel blindsided by how many decisions they must make in such a fragile moment. Here are things you can ask: What happens to my baby’s body? Can I arrange burial or cremation? Is testing available to understand what happened? Can I get a certificate of life or a memory keepsake? You can also ask for time. You don’t have to decide everything at once. Breathe.

Your feelings may change by the hour. Shock. Anger. Guilt. Numbness. Jealousy. Deep sadness. All of it is valid. Some days will feel manageable. Some won’t. Your grief is your own. You may want therapy. You may want solitude. You may need to yell or cry or walk or write. You are not broken. You are grieving. And you are allowed to grieve in your way.

Your cultural, religious, and spiritual needs are real. Whether you want to pray, perform rituals, or simply be seen within your identity, JENNAhugs honors you. We believe that care should include empathy, context, and choice.