It can also impact on future pregnancy planning.
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 doctor 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
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:
- offer early support - encourage individuals to seek guidance from their doctor 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
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:
- emotional support - address the psychological impact of stillbirth by encouraging counselling or joining support groups - acknowledge feelings of grief, fear, and anxiety in subsequent pregnancies
- preconception planning - encourage individuals to seek preconception counselling with their doctor 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
For more information on preventing stillbirth, individuals can read more about preventing stillbirth.
Additional support resources:
- bereavement counselling - recommend grief counselling for individuals who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth to help process their loss and navigate future pregnancies
- specialist pregnancy care - referral to high-risk pregnancy specialists may be necessary for individuals with a history of preterm birth, stillbirth, or recurrent miscarriage
By providing early support, encouraging emotional well-being, 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 you 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 UKprovides 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.