Emotional & Psychological Impact of Pregnancy Loss

Since recovering from a pregnancy loss is a deeply personal matter, the duration of the recovery process can vary. It is important to understand that there isn’t a specific timeline for emotional healing. While emotional distress typically begins to resolve after several months, everyone grieves differently and the duration of emotional distress can be influenced by a variety of external factors. Additionally, since there is a wide range of complex emotions that emerge following a pregnancy loss, it is crucial to allow enough time and space to process these emotions and pursue additional support from loved ones or mental health professionals.

Recovering emotionally from a pregnancy loss can take significantly longer when compared to physical healing. Although the body can physically heal effectively enough to attempt to conceive after one normal menstrual cycle has occurred, it can take at least several months for emotional distress to improve and progress toward healing. Individuals who are grieving a pregnancy loss are often surprised by the intensity of emotions that they experience, as well as how unexpectedly they can emerge during their daily routine. This means that although some days may be easier to navigate than others, sometimes the intensity of emotions such as sorrow, guilt, or anger can become overwhelming. 

Support and self-care are vital components in the process of emotional recovery following a pregnancy loss. It is important to remember that there isn’t a wrong or right way to grieve. Additionally, many people find it helpful to pursue professional support, especially if the intensity of their grief is making it difficult to return to their routine after an extended period of time. 

Sources

“Coping with Miscarriage”. Stanford Medicine. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=coping-with-miscarriage-1-4036 

“Depression and Anxiety Following Early Pregnancy Loss: Recommendations for Primary Care Providers”. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4468887/ 

Although it is often overlooked, pregnancy loss can have a significant impact on the emotional and mental well-being of the father or partner. When it happens repeatedly, such as with recurrent miscarriages, the psychological impact worsens with each experience of pregnancy loss. Since many fathers and partners perceive that they are responsible for taking a supportive role in the relationship, it often prevents them from appropriately recognizing and honoring their own loss. As a result, some partners may turn to compulsive behaviors such as substance use as a coping mechanism. 

Research indicates that the grief responses of partners after pregnancy loss can differ from those of the pregnant person. Following a pregnancy loss, partners are particularly susceptible to depressive symptoms. However, the intensity and duration are often perceived to be less pronounced in comparison to the person who physically experienced the pregnancy.

There is a significant need for increased recognition and care for grieving fathers and partners since they often feel marginalized after pregnancy loss. Lack of support and insight into their experiences further contributes to the silence and stigma associated with pregnancy loss, even though the stigma of this particular loss has decreased among women. As a result, fathers and partners often internalize their grief and struggle with managing the complex physical, mental, and emotional reactions that result from the loss itself. Being mindful of this, it is important to establish better care, resources, and support for all individuals affected by pregnancy loss, with the acknowledgment that grief often extends further into the structure of the family (or chosen family).

Sources

“The experiences of men following recurrent miscarriage in an Irish tertiary hospital: A qualitative analysis”. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9122424/ 

“The impact of pregnancy loss on men’s health and wellbeing: a systematic review”. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5688642/ 

“’It is OK to feel it’: One dad’s mission to help men cope with pregnancy loss”. Today. https://www.today.com/parents/fathers-grieve-pregnancy-loss-much-get-no-help-t140765

The death of an infant can have a significant impact on siblings, who may experience a variety of intense emotions. These emotions can vary from sadness to frustration or anger, and some may also seem indifferent. Developmental phases can often influence how children grieve and process the loss, so sibling reactions to the death of an infant may shift as the siblings continue to age. This type of loss can have long-lasting effects on siblings, so it is important to be as supportive as possible as they navigate what may be their first experience with death, grief, and loss. 

Younger siblings may not fully comprehend the meaning of death and may require additional explanations regarding what has happened. They may notice the absence of the infant even if they do not initially connect this absence with the concept of death. Older siblings are often more noticeably affected by death. They may understand the concept of death and may have concerns that something they thought about or did may have caused the loss. They may also fear that the death of an infant means that their parents may die as well. Sometimes they may seem indifferent in an effort to seem strong and supportive to others, whereas other times they may be visibly emotional and distressed. 

It is often challenging for parents to understand how their children are affected by death since the perceptions and comprehension level of a child can vary significantly by age and developmental stage. Sometimes children don’t want to talk about the death of an infant sibling at all, often due to the uncertainty or fear surrounding the topic of death itself. Younger children might also discuss death very intermittently through brief conversations between playing or other activities. Support groups can be helpful in understanding how children grieve and experience emotions in relation to the death of an infant, especially since it can provide siblings with the opportunity to meet and interact with other children who have experienced the same loss. 

Parents should involve their children in the grieving process in age-appropriate ways. Including children in funeral or memorial arrangements in some way can sometimes help them navigate their grief as long as they receive support from parents, family members, and other loved ones. It is also important to be mindful that children can develop traumatic grief, complicated grief, or long-term emotional effects due to the loss of a sibling. Parents and caretakers are encouraged to monitor the mental health and emotional well-being of children affected by the loss of an infant sibling, since professional support and resources may be necessary. 

Sources

“​Sibling Loss: Experiencing Grief Through a Child’s Eyes”. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/aap-voices/sibling-loss 

“Support for siblings after a neonatal death”. Tommy’s. https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support/neonatal-death-information-and-support/support-siblings-after-neonatal-death 

“Traumatic Grief”. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/traumatic-grief 

Early pregnancy loss, such as miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, can have a significantly detrimental impact on a woman’s mental health. Research has shown that following pregnancy loss, women experience symptoms of depression, perinatal grief, and anxiety. Due to the traumatic nature of pregnancy loss, some women may also experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts. Additionally, many women continue to struggle with their mental health for years after they have successfully given birth to a healthy child. 

Women who experience early pregnancy loss don’t consistently receive appropriate mental health care. Although the medical concerns surrounding pregnancy loss are addressed, many women don’t receive patient education or follow-up appointments that address the psychological and emotional toll associated with this type of loss. Without suitable mental health care, psychological symptoms can worsen and women may struggle to cope with their grief. 

It is essential to acknowledge the psychological impact of early pregnancy loss and improve access to targeted services and resources for those who are affected. Making improvements to assessment, treatment, and communication surrounding early pregnancy loss can be crucial in achieving better patient outcomes. By increasing awareness and public health initiatives pertaining to early pregnancy loss, adequate mental health care and support can be achieved at scale. 

Sources

“Pregnancy loss: Consequences for mental health”. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9937061/ 

“Women Who Miscarry Have Long-lasting Mental Health Problems”. University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/women-who-miscarry-have-long-lasting-mental-health-problems 

“After miscarriage, I was rocked by depression. Like many other women, I didn’t get follow-up care for this loss.” Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/after-miscarriage-i-was-rocked-by-depression-like-many-other-women-i-didnt-get-follow-up-care-for-this-loss/2019/11/29/bd3dcff0-0729-11ea-8292-c46ee8cb3dce_story.html 

After an abortion, it is common to experience uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms, and both should lighten as days go by. For a day or two after a medication abortion (when you take abortion pills) or an in-clinic abortion (also known as surgical abortion), you will likely feel tired, experience cramping and bleeding or discharge, may have tender breasts that could leak, and could feel nausea, fever or chills. Most people are able to return to their usual level of activity the next day. If you have a Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) procedure, you may require a little more downtime. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for recovery and take any medication as prescribed to help manage side effects.

After any abortion, if nausea, diarrhea or vomiting persists for over 24 hours, you should seek medical attention as it may mean you have an infection. After an in-clinic abortion, if you have cramping or pain that doesn’t improve with pain medication, are soaking two maxi pads per hour for two or more hours, or have a fever over 100.4 degrees, you should contact your doctor.

In addition to physical symptoms, it’s normal to experience a range of emotional effects after an abortion. These can include feelings of sadness, guilt, relief, grief and even numbness. Everyone’s experience with abortion is unique and there is no right or wrong way to feel afterwards. It’s important to give yourself the time and space to recover emotionally — engaging with your feelings, even if uncomfortable, can help you process the experience. You can do this on your own by journaling, or seeking support from friends, family, professionals, calling or texting a free, nonjudgmental support line, or checking online resources.

If you have concerns or are experiencing persistent or debilitating physical or emotional effects, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. Remember, be kind to yourself and give yourself time to heal both physically and emotionally after an abortion.

Sources

“What can I expect after I take the abortion pill?”. Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill/what-can-i-expect-after-i-take-the-abortion-pill 

“What can I expect after having an in-clinic abortion?” Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/in-clinic-abortion-procedures/what-can-i-expect-after-having-an-in-clinic-abortion 

“How to Recover Emotionally After Abortion”. Waterleaf Women’s Center. https://waterleafwc.org/how-to-recover-emotionally-after-abortion/ 

“All-Options Talkline”. All-Options. https://www.all-options.org/find-support/talkline/ 

“After-Abortion Textline”. Exhale Pro-Voice. https://exhaleprovoice.org/after-abortion-textline/ 

“Support After a Miscarriage or Abortion”. Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-orange-san-bernardino/patients/miscarriage-support