Pregnancy loss is a sensitive and impactful event for families. It is an involuntary loss without immediate understanding or psychological preparation. To what extent can this psychologically impact women? To what extent are men considered? The article will discuss the emotional well-being of families after miscarriage and the support available.

Does the world know the psychological impact of miscarriage?

Emotionally processing miscarriage can be felt immediately or many moments after. Regardless of time, the impact can be just as great. It is quite common for women to show signs of fatigue, anger and shock. Evidence suggests the inexplicable relationships between pregnancy loss and anxiety and depression for women. Far more exhaust compared to their male partners. In three studies there were also indicators for post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, studies further suggest that women are becoming more at risk of psychological morbidity following miscarriage with up to 41% self-reporting clinically significant levels of anxiety (Prettyman, et al., 1993) and 36% self-reporting depression (Neugebauer, et al., 1992), within one month. However, it is important to acknowledge the support and increased awareness of miscarriage today since these studies have taken place.

Moreover, men can also have difficulty expressing their emotions under the pressures of being a supportive figure as well as needing to appease the societal perception of a man’s role in this position. As miscarriage does not biologically impact the male partner, this leaves them only empathizing with the physical loss of a baby whilst also being open to the psychological impact of grief. A systematic review and thematic synthesis conducted found that in most studies male experiences were further influenced by gender-based coping responses assumed and performed by men or expected of them by others. This highlights the nuanced conversation about the different genders coping with grief.

What are the support services?

At Enhanced Fertility, we take pride in supporting our patients throughout their fertility journey, especially during difficult periods. Beatriz Trigo, Enhanced Fertility’s in-house clinical psychologist, provides therapy sessions for individuals and couples. CEO RN Andreia Trigo can also provide consultations about the possible next steps for a patient or couple’s fertility journey.

Click here to learn more about the consultations that Enhanced Fertility provides.

UK Services

The Miscarriage Association Charity

The Miscarriage Association is a charity that offers holistic support for families who have lost a baby. They discuss the range of emotions individuals may experience and how their staff, ambassadors and mental health services can guide you.

Cruse Bereavement Care

The Cruse Bereavement Care Support is a charity that supports those grieving for any loved ones people have lost. This charity guides people on how to cope with loss and rebuild their lives after this experience.

Overall, miscarriage can be a vulnerable event and cause a change to future fertility plans. Miscarriage can physically and emotionally cause distress for women. It can also impact their partners and their coping mechanisms of grief. Yet, with the right support, knowledge and awareness about miscarriage, we can achieve a more approachable and guiding fertility journey.

References

Farren, J., Mitchell-Jones, N., Verbakel, J. Y., Timmerman, D., Jalmbrant, M., & Bourne, T. (2018). The psychological impact of early pregnancy loss. Human Reproduction Update, 24(6), 731–749. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmy025

Järvholm, S. (2022). [Psychological aspects of infertility]. Lakartidningen, 119, 22057.

Kukulskienė, M., & Žemaitienė, N. (2022). Postnatal depression and post-traumatic stress risk following miscarriage. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(11), 6515. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116515

Voss, P., Schick, M., Langer, L., Ainsworth, A., Ditzen, B., Strowitzki, T., Wischmann, T., & Kuon, R. J. (2020). Recurrent pregnancy loss: A shared stressor—couple-orientated psychological research findings. Fertility and Sterility, 114(6), 1288–1296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.1421

Williams, H. M., Topping, A., Coomarasamy, A., & Jones, L. L. (2020). Men and miscarriage: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. Qualitative Health Research, 30(1), 133–145. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732319870270