Pregnancy Loss.

Abstract

This symposium includes 12 narratives from people who have experienced pregnancy loss at any stage of pregnancy or during labor and delivery. Stories of pregnancy loss are seldom shared, and bereaved parents must navigate their grief, anger, confusion, guilt, shame, or other feelings alone. They may be left wondering, "Did I do something wrong?", "Will this happen again?" or "How do I grieve this loss?" Other people who experience a fetal death may feel relieved or conflicted by the loss, causing stress on their relationships. Family members, friends, and healthcare professionals may be unsure about how to respond to or support people who have experienced pregnancy loss. These narratives foster a better understanding of the emotions people experiencing pregnancy loss may feel. The authors describe what was helpful and what was lacking in their interactions with healthcare providers and loved ones in the time following a fetal death. This issue also includes 4 expert commentaries written by Tammara Ruiz Ziegler, Kathryn R. Grauerholz, Raymond De Vries, and Elena Kraus.