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Chapter 17 - Psychological Support after Pregnancy Loss

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2025

By
Emily Koert
Edited by
Roy G. Farquharson ,
Mary D. Stephenson  and
Mariëtte Goddijn
Roy G. Farquharson
Affiliation:
Liverpool Women’s Hospital
Mary D. Stephenson
Affiliation:
University of Illinois, Chicago
Mariëtte Goddijn
Affiliation:
Amsterdam University Medical Centers
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Summary

Pregnancy loss (PL) is a common complication in early pregnancy, occurring in ~25% of recognized pregnancies. Standard medical care after PL traditionally focuses on emptying of the fetus from the uterus. Historically the emotional impact of PL has been overlooked. However, research shows that PL has a negative psychological impact on women’s and their partner’s well-being, and that patients wish for post-PL care that attends to their emotional and psychological needs as well. This chapter summarizes the latest research on the psychological impact of PL, patient preferences for medical and supportive care after PL and in a new pregnancy and provides recommendations for care. Psychological impact and support after ectopic pregnancies and late pregnancy losses > 24 weeks are not specifically addressed in this chapter. Health care staff providing care to those with PL should be educated about the psychological impact of PL including that a first PL can cause emotional distress for both partners and that the psychological burden can increase with multiple losses. Informing patients that their emotional reactions to the PL are normal and to be expected without diminishing their impact is crucial. Information provision and empathic and sensitive communication is valued by patients and their partners. Structural changes are also needed to facilitate continuity in care and follow-up in order to promote overall well-being after PL.

Keywords

pregnancy lossmiscarriagepsychological impactemotional impactemotional supportpsychological supportpsychosocial care
Type
Chapter
Information
Early Pregnancy , pp. 173 - 178
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

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