Providing for women following miscarriage.

Abstract

It is apparent that an increased awareness amongst health care workers of the need for parents to grieve the loss of their baby, regardless of the gestation, is essential. It should also be noted that this time of coming to terms with the loss can be quite lengthy. This healing may be aided by support groups such as the Miscarriage Association, and also through pre-pregnancy counselling clinics. Support in the next pregnancy appears to improve the chance of a successful pregnancy outcome in women with a history of recurrent miscarriages. It is important that the current interest in bereavement counselling does not lead to every miscarriage being 'magnified into a catastrophe'. For some women the event will pass with little trauma. In seeking to improve the management of this distressing condition we must be careful to take into consideration the individual's requirements. In a recent publication by SANDS, guidelines for the management of patients who have experienced the loss of a baby are given. This book can be commended for all involved in the care of women at the time of pregnancy loss.