PERINATAL LOSS

Perinatal losses are one of the most devastating events a family can experience. Examples of perinatal loss include miscarriage, failed IVF cycles, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal death, and other losses.  Around a quarter of bereaved parents demonstrate psychological difficulties during the first two years after these losses 1,2 These losses can bring great sorrow at a time when there is meant to be such joy. Perinatal loss is often traumatic, occurring quite suddenly and without any anticipation. It can be a very unhappy, frightening and lonely experience.

The impact on the individual, couples and families can be significant and friends and extended families often don’t know how to help. Loss can also mean that any future pregnancies are filled with high levels of anxiety, sadness and guilt.

Every loss is different and there is no right or wrong way to feel about it. Therapy can help provide emotional support during this very individual journey.

Many parents also contact us when they are thinking about falling pregnant or are currently pregnant following a loss. In therapy we explore how to cope with a subsequent pregnancy, including thinking about this new arrival and the person they are, as well as not forgetting the baby who has died or the pregnancy that ended. Therapy can also help to explore ways to manage your anxiety during a subsequent pregnancy so that you do not feel too overwhelmed.

There are some really helpful organisations out there supporting those experiencing a perinatal loss. These include:

 

https://www.sands.org.uk

https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk

1 Zeanah C: Adaptation following perinatal loss: A critical review. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 28:467, 1989

2 Lasker J, Toedter L: Acute versus chronic grief: The case of pregnancy loss. Am J Orthopsychiatry 61:510, 1991