Authors: Lucile Abiola; Guillaume Legendre; Andrew Spiers; Elsa Parot-Schinkel; Jean-François Hamel; Philippe Duverger; Pierre-Emmanuel Bouet; Philippe Descamps; Caroline Quelen; Philippe Gillard; Elise Riquin · Research
How Does Late-Term Pregnancy Loss Affect Mental Health and Risk of PTSD?
Research reveals high risk of trauma symptoms after late pregnancy loss and identifies key factors affecting psychological recovery
Source: Abiola, L., Legendre, G., Spiers, A., Parot-Schinkel, E., Hamel, J. F., Duverger, P., ... & Riquin, E. (2022). Late fetal demise, a risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 12364. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16683-5
What you need to know
- Late pregnancy loss affects 3-4% of pregnancies and can be highly traumatic for parents
- Over one-third of women show significant post-traumatic stress symptoms one month after pregnancy loss
- Early identification of risk factors and appropriate support can help prevent long-term trauma
The Impact of Late Pregnancy Loss
Losing a pregnancy in the second or third trimester is one of the most challenging experiences a parent can face. While we often focus on the physical aspects of pregnancy loss, the emotional and psychological impact can be profound and long-lasting. Recent research helps us better understand how this experience affects mental health and what factors influence recovery.
Understanding the Risk of Trauma
When we experience a deeply distressing event, our mind and body can react with trauma responses. The study found that 44% of women showed significant trauma symptoms just two weeks after pregnancy loss. This dropped to 34% at one month and 9% at three months. For comparison, only about 3% of women experience trauma symptoms after giving birth to a healthy baby. This highlights how pregnancy loss can be particularly challenging for mental health.
Key Risk Factors
Several factors were associated with higher risk of developing trauma symptoms:
- Experiencing dissociation during the event (feeling detached or disconnected from reality)
- Seeing and holding the baby after loss
- Having multiple encounters with the baby during hospital stay
- Organizing funeral services
Interestingly, how far along the pregnancy was didn’t significantly affect trauma risk. This suggests that early losses can be just as emotionally impactful as later ones.
The Role of Healthcare Providers
The research emphasizes how crucial healthcare providers are in supporting women through pregnancy loss. Poor interactions with medical staff can increase trauma risk, while supportive care may help prevent long-term psychological difficulties. Early screening for trauma symptoms allows healthcare providers to identify who might need additional support.
What This Means for You
If you’ve experienced pregnancy loss, know that strong emotional reactions are normal and valid. Consider these suggestions:
- Don’t feel pressured to make immediate decisions about seeing or holding your baby
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your feelings and any symptoms of trauma
- Consider seeking professional support if you’re experiencing persistent distressing thoughts or memories
- Remember that everyone processes loss differently - there’s no “right” way to grieve
Conclusions
- Late pregnancy loss significantly increases risk for trauma symptoms compared to typical births
- Early screening and support can help prevent long-term psychological difficulties
- Healthcare providers play a crucial role in supporting mental health after pregnancy loss