The loss of a baby at any stage in pregnancy can have a profound impact on parents. The gestational age of the baby is often not what is important. After weeks of dreaming, imagining and planning it is also the loss of those hopes and dreams for the future. To feel sad, empty and bewildered at this time is understandable.
Miscarriage is common… It is estimated that 20-25% of all pregnancies end with the loss of the baby through miscarriage. Miscarriage is a widely used term for early pregnancy loss occurring before the 20th week of pregnancy. The loss of a baby after 20 weeks (or 400 grams ) is called a stillbirth.
When discussing miscarriage a health professional may use the medical term “spontaneous abortion”. Medical staff may also use the term “embryo” to describe a baby until the sixth week of pregnancy. From then on until birth, the term ‘fetus’ is often used by health professionals when referring to a baby.
The gestational age of the baby is often not what is important. After weeks of dreaming, imagining and planning it is also the loss of those hopes and dreams for the future. To feel sad, empty and bewildered at this time is understandable.
For women who have experienced a miscarriage and considering another pregnancy it is important to know that it is unlikely that it will occur again. Most women will go on to have a successful pregnancy. If you have experienced recurrent miscarriages your doctor may suggest tests to look for a specific cause.
For Bereavement Support contact Red Nose Grief and Loss 1300 308 307 or visit our website www.rednosegriefandloss.com.au.
Last modified: 4/2/20