Facts about Pregnancy After Loss compiled by Lindsey M. Henke; Infographic designed and illustrated by Lloyd W. Meek.
At Pregnancy After Loss Support, we work diligently to stay abreast of the latest research that is relevant to pregnancy after loss. We’ve created this infographic to share some of the basic facts about pregnancy after loss with our community and those who may need educating on the experience of pregnancy after loss. A black and white printable download is also available.
To see a full listing of current research relevant to pregnancy after loss, see our research page.
10 Facts about Pregnancy After Loss
- In the U.S. 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, and 1 in 160 pregnancies end in stillbirth. These numbers do not include infant death from preterm labor, diagnosis of life-limiting conditions, or SIDS.
50 – 80% of women who experience perinatal loss become pregnant again within 12 – 18 months after their loss.
- After a pregnancy loss or infant death, many women will experience grief, confusion, anxiety, guilt and fear of loss in a subsequent pregnancy.
A pregnancy after a loss can activate a new layer of grief.
- Women who are pregnant again after a loss report having higher symptoms of anxiety during their subsequent pregnancies compared to those who have not experienced loss.
Studies show that fathers are also affected by the emotional stress of a subsequent pregnancy.
Women who are pregnant again after a loss are at an increased risk for postpartum anxiety and depression, even after having a subsequent successful pregnancy and birth.
- Psychological distress during a subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of preterm labor and low birth weight, as well as having a difficult time bonding with the baby born after loss.
- Education through awareness can promote health during subsequent pregnancies and help ensure safe and healthy deliveries.
Knowledge that there are resources available and others to turn to for compassion and guidance is an important aspect in the journey of healing during a subsequent pregnancy.
References:
- Blackmore, E., Cote-Arsenault, D., Tang, W., Glover, V., Evans, J., Golding, J., O’conner, T., (2011). Previous prenatal loss as a predictor of perinatal depression and anxiety. The British Journal of Psychiatry. 198:373-378.
- Giannandrea, S. A., Cerulli, C., Anson, E., & Chaudron, L. H. (2013). Increased Risk for Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders Among Women with Past Pregnancy Loss. Journal Of Women’s Health.
- Gold, K., Boggs, M., Mugisha, E., Palladino, C., (2012). Internet message boards for pregnancy loss: Who’s on-line and why?Women’s Health Issues. 22-1, e67-e72.
- O’Leary, J. (2004). Grief and its impact on prenatal attachment in the subsequent pregnancy. Archives Of Women’s Mental Health, 7(1), 7-18. doi:10.1007/s00737-003-0037-1.
- O’Leary J, Thorwick C, Parker L: The baby leads the way: Supporting the emotional needs of families’ pregnant following Perinatal loss. 2nd edition. Edited by Ragland, K. Mpls, MN; 2012.
- Wheeler, S. R. (2000). A Loss of Innocence and a Gain in Vulnerability: Subsequent Pregnancy after a Loss. Illness, Crisis & Loss, 8(3), 310.
[…] of: Pregnancy After Loss Support. Complied by Lindsey M. Henke; Designed and Illustrated by Lloyd W. […]
Just wanted to ask what about women who experience a lost and simultaneously finds out she can no longer get pregnant
Oh, Deianna, I am so very sorry for your loss and the double blow of another pregnancy not being an option. Sending you much love. Do you know about our sister site, Still Mothers? Their focus is entirely on families who go on without another pregnancy. I hope you’re check them out.
~Valerie Meek, Operations Director at Pregnancy After Loss Support
Has anyone had any issues of thyroid levels being within range but on the higher end and dr stating they should go on thyroid Meds?
[…] as many resources out there for PAL as there are for infant loss and grieving, but I have found the Pregnancy After Loss Support website helpful. Here are just a couple of facts about PAL from that […]