The following information can help to support those with a history of these pregnancy challenges.
Previous preterm birth or low birth weight
A history of preterm birth (before 37 weeks) or low birth weight increases the risk of these outcomes in future pregnancies. Regular prenatal care and addressing risk factors such as maternal obesity and tobacco use can help reduce these risks.
Messages for professionals to share:
- talk about preconception planning - advise people to consult their GP or specialist services before becoming pregnant so they can discuss risk factors and strategies to prevent preterm birth and low birth weight
- talk about lifestyle adjustments - discuss the benefits of managing weight, stopping smoking, and other healthy lifestyle changes which can help to reduce the likelihood of negative impacts on the baby
- ensure early and regular prenatal care for people with a history of preterm birth or low birth weight to closely monitor their progress. This also offers the opportunity to put in place preventive measures
- emotional wellbeing - acknowledge the emotional impact of miscarriage and stillbirth. Signpost to bereavement counselling, peer support groups, and mental health services if needed
- use trauma-informed conversations - approach discussions about pregnancy planning with sensitivity. Recognise that these topics can be triggering
Miscarriage
Miscarriage can have a huge impact on someone's emotional wellbeing as well as their future preconception health.
However, experiencing a miscarriage doesn't mean that any future pregnancies won't be successful.
It's important to address both physical recovery and emotional health while making lifestyle adjustments and consulting healthcare providers.
Key messages for professionals to share:
- offer early support - encourage individuals to seek guidance from their GP or midwife early if they become pregnant again
- emotional health - acknowledge the emotional impact of miscarriage and encourage families to seek support through counselling or peer support groups
- preconception care - emphasise the importance of preconception care, including having a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and addressing any underlying health concerns
- use trauma-informed conversations - approach discussions about pregnancy planning with sensitivity. Recognise that these topics can be triggering
Previous stillbirth
A previous stillbirth can cause significant emotional distress, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression in subsequent pregnancies.
Those with a history of stillbirth may also face a higher risk of complications in future pregnancies.
Key messages for professionals to share:
- emotional support - acknowledge feelings of grief, fear, and anxiety in future pregnancies. Encourage individuals to access counselling or join peer support groups to help them process their loss and feel supported during future pregnancy planning
- preconception planning - encourage individuals to seek preconception counselling with their GP or a specialist to discuss potential risks and develop a care plan
- stillbirth prevention - while not all stillbirths can be prevented, there are strategies to reduce risk, such as regular prenatal care, managing health conditions, and adopting healthy habits
- emotional wellbeing - acknowledge the emotional impact of miscarriage and stillbirth. Signpost to bereavement counselling, peer support groups, and mental health services if needed
- use trauma-informed conversations - approach discussions about pregnancy planning with sensitivity. Recognise that these topics can be triggering
For more information on preventing stillbirth, individuals can read more about preventing stillbirth.
By providing early support, encouraging emotional wellbeing, and offering medical guidance, healthcare professionals can help individuals navigate the complexities of pregnancy after a previous loss.
Further information
These organisations can offer support and advice, and put someone in touch with other parents who've had a similar experience:
- Sands - the stillbirth and neonatal death charity is run by and for parents whose baby has died, either at birth or shortly afterwards
- The Lullaby Trust supports parents bereaved by cot death (also called sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS)
- The Compassionate Friends is run by and for all bereaved parents
- Cruse Bereavement Support provides support, information, advice, education, and training to help anyone who's been bereaved to understand their grief and cope with their loss
- Child Bereavement UK provides specialised support, information, and training for everyone affected when a baby or child dies, or when a child is bereaved. It also runs an online forum for bereaved parents
- Child Death Helpline is a freephone service for all those affected by the death of a child, operated by volunteers who are all bereaved parents
- The Care of Next Infant programme supports bereaved families before and after the birth of their new baby