Even though most pregnancies are problem-free, some pregnancies end in loss. The risk of miscarrying in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is between 15 and 20 percent.
When a pregnant person miscarries (the pregnancy ends spontaneously before 20 weeks’ gestation) or has a stillbirth (gives birth to an infant with no signs of life at or after 20 weeks’ gestation), they need immediate medical care to prevent complications. There are increased risks of bleeding or infection, which may put the individuals’ health in danger.
If a parent has experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant, speaking with their health care provider can provide support.
A health care provider may be able to:
- Help cope with grief and assist with accessing support or formal therapy.
- Explain why the pregnancy ended or why the baby did not survive.
- Discuss with the parents if or when they may want to become pregnant again.
- Explore the risk of this happening in a future pregnancy.
- Help describe their loss to other siblings, family members, friends, and co-workers.
Reproduced with permission from the Best Start Resource Centre - Key Messages.