The psychological implications of a subsequent pregnancy outcome in couples with a history of miscarriage

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives The present study expands upon reproductive research by examining perinatal grief in couples following a miscarriage and throughout a subsequent pregnancy. The aim of the study was to address the question of whether the outcome of a successful live birth mitigates the negative impact of a previous miscarriage. Method Participants were recruited through 20 general practice surgeries that provided antenatal care in the United Kingdom. The study comprised 128 couples; 64 couples who experienced two consecutive miscarriages, and 64 couples who experienced a live birth following a miscarriage. Participants completed the Perinatal Grief Scale across four Time points (T1: Six weeks following the first pregnancy outcome; T2: Six weeks following the second pregnancy outcome; T3: Six months following the second pregnancy outcome and T4: Twelve months following the second pregnancy outcome). Results The primary findings of the study demonstrated a significant mitigation effect with a decrease in perinatal grief over time. As predicted, couples who experienced a second miscarriage reported elevated perinatal grief; compared to couples who went on to have a successful live birth. Conclusion The present study’s findings contribute to our knowledge of the long-term implications of miscarriage and its influence on psychological health in terms of perinatal grief.