Statistics
- Miscarriage occurs in roughly 15 to 20% of pregnancies and is highest within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Most pregnancies before the first trimester are often not reported.
- According to StatsCan, of every 10 pregnancies past 20 weeks gestation, 1 will result in a loss
- A statistical review from the CDC, that compares live births vs. fetal mortality rate and infant mortality, highlights that fetal mortality has increased
- The psychological impacts of a pregnancy loss differ from person to person, but most often people go through a grieving process which could be short or long term. According to the American Psychological Association, psychological health implications on both the woman and her partner could last for years.
- In 2015, 25,000 Ontario patients visited the ER experiencing a pregnancy loss. Although this accounts for only 1% of ER admissions, clinical teams often do not have the resources necessary to handle the mental health effects of pregnancy loss.
Clinical Factors
- Mature age is a major factor in pregnancy loss as the quality of eggs decreases
- Abnormal Embryo and its Genetic impact – a poor quality egg and sperm generally results in a poor-quality embryo, thus limiting the probability of a healthy live birth. 60% of abnormal embryos result in pregnancy loss or still birth
- Congenital Factors (including recessive genes)
- Maternal Complications
- Uterine – a healthy uterus ensures proper physiological support to the fetus
- Maternal Health
What to do?
- Most women do go on to have successful pregnancies after the loss
- Genetic Testing vs. Screening
- Technological advances provide testing to identify specific genetic defects of embryos to reduce the probability of pregnancy loss
- Early screening during pregnancy to limit the physical and emotional implications of pregnancy loss at a later stage (NIPT)
- Not all genetic tests and screens are made equal
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Psychological Factors
Psychological effects of pregnancy loss can last for years, and affect family
- Men are impacted emotionally with the loss and often mask their depression
- Individuals often believe that the earlier the loss, the less concern it is for the woman experiencing the loss
- Emotional effects of pregnancy loss can transition to the next pregnancy. Affecting the relationship between mother and child.
- Women who experienced loss have a higher probability of developing postpartum depression
October 15th is Pregnancy Loss Awareness Day
- Anova is providing a 6-week series of support group sessions that focus primarily on Pregnancy Loss. Contact us through our website for more information about registering.
- Having a conversation about Pregnancy loss – more likely than not, someone you know has experienced one.
- Understanding that pregnancy loss is a loss, regardless of how early it is.
- Provide support to all members of the family experiencing loss
- A comprehensive support system is important in processing the loss
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