Pregnancy Loss Support

“Pregnancy Loss” describes a pregnancy which does not end with the birth of a live baby, regardless of the stage of pregnancy in which the loss occurred. One out of four pregnancies may end in pregnancy loss and in most cases this happens in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, pregnancy loss is hardly spoken about in our society and continues to be viewed as much less common than it is.
 

• Pregnancy Loss Has An Emotional Impact

Pregnancy loss can have a profound emotional impact. It can evoke a wide range of emotions including; shock, deep sadness, fear of not getting pregnant again, hopelessness, emptiness, anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, shame, failure, unexpected mood swings — feeling like you are on a “roller coaster,” decreased self-esteem, alienation, resentment and other distressing psychological states.
 

One can experience temporary or recurrent difficulty coping with daily life and activities, low energy, difficulty concentrating, lack of enjoyment, emptiness, uncertainty about the future, a desire to avoid people and social activities and feelings of longing for the lost baby.
 

The loss of an anticipated pregnancy could lead to the destruction of expectations about plans that began to take shape along with a preoccupation and wondering about what might have happened if the loss had not occurred. For some women the day on which the baby was supposed to be born is a difficult day, as well as other dates that coincide with the loss. It is important to acknowledge that the father experiences a loss as well. 
 

• Coping With Grief 

Grieving is a normal, natural response to loss and an important process that helps to process the loss. There are no specific guidelines or timelines for grieving after a pregnancy loss as everyone grieves in their own way. There is no amount or kind of grieving that is “right” for all people. Grieving takes time and it is essential to give yourself time after the loss to feel everything that comes with it. It is important to express difficult feelings and cope with grief in order to return to your routine with renewed strength, hope and sense of control. 

 

• Relationships

The differences in reactions to loss can sometimes create tensions, lack of understanding, conflicts and distance within a relationship, which can lead or contribute to the feeling of being left alone with the grief. Communication can be hard when both people are coping with difficult feelings, therefore, open communication between partners after the loss is important and can promote healing and resilience. Couples can find a way through together by being each other's support and a source of strength.
 

Often, the environment, including those who are close to you, such as family members and friends, do not always know how to react to pregnancy loss and/or make comments that are not helpful, as society tends not to recognize and frequently minimizes pregnancy loss as a loss that brings real feelings of grief.
 

Many people feel that without recognition and support of their grief, they can’t share their real thoughts and feelings and are expected to “move on”. This situation can lead to feelings of loneliness, frustration, distance and disappointment towards family members, close friends and even colleagues.
 

• Receiving Support 

After a pregnancy loss it is very important to receive recognition of the loss, understanding and support. The purpose of the support is to provide a safe space to process the loss and the grief, and to give people tools to continue their life despite the loss and with a sense of control.
 

Seeking emotional support after pregnancy loss through individual, couple or group support can be very helpful, even years after the loss. Individual support may be long-term or short-term.
 

Working together, I will provide a safe supportive space for you to process your grief and share your deepest feelings and thoughts.

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*The content of this web is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider as to any questions you may have regarding physical and/or emotional conditions that you may be experiencing.