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As discussed in previous articles, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a meaningful contribution to their community.
Pregnancy is a time of great expectancy and hope. Pregnancy loss through miscarriage, still birth or death of a new-born infant, can therefore be devastating to one’s mental health and wellbeing.
Up to 30 percent of women who experience pregnancy loss may experience emotional problems and one in 10 women may develop a mental health condition following pregnancy loss.
Why is pregnancy loss a challenge to mental health?
Pregnancy gives a sense of hope and expectation for the future, pregnancy loss dashes those immediate hopes and dreams.
Women form emotional bonds with the foetus and pregnancy loss can bring on a complex form of grief.
Pregnancy and childbearing are a critical part of the identity and sense of purpose for many people and pregnancy loss can lead to a challenge to one’s core beliefs and sense of self- worth.
Pregnancy loss can put a strain on marriages and relationships.
The impact of pregnancy loss on mental health
Grief
While grief is not a mental health condition, it can have a toll on our mental wellbeing. Pregnancy loss is often not formally recognised as such and the grief of many couples often goes unacknowledged and unsupported.
Trauma
Pregnancy loss is often sudden and may be traumatic.
Sadness and despair
The ability to carry a pregnancy to term is often a societal expectation and is often a part of the identity of many women. Struggling to do so can lead to feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, sadness and despair.
Guilt and shame
Many women may blame themselves for the pregnancy loss, leading to excessive feelings of guilt and a sense of shame.
Stigma and isolation
Repeated pregnancy loss is often socially and culturally stigmatised, which can lead to a sense of isolation.
Anxiety and fear
Many couples may struggle with fear of trying for another pregnancy particularly with repeated loss and may have much anxiety during subsequent pregnancies fearing another loss.
What can protect women from mental health challenges following pregnancy loss?
Supportive, trauma informed medical care following the pregnancy loss.
Acknowledgement of the significance of the loss and creating a psychologically safe environment for couples to grieve.
Providing information on the emotional impact of pregnancy loss, how to cope and where to get mental health support.
Mental health support, screening and care for mental health symptoms integrated into women’s health and maternal health settings.
Discouraging commonly held socio-cultural pressure for the couple to immediately try for another pregnancy to allow for physical and emotional recovery, a new baby can never replace the one that was lost.
Encouraging support from family, and from support groups with individuals who have struggled with pregnancy loss to reduce the sense of social isolation.
If you think that you or someone that you know may be experiencing a mental health problem linked to pregnancy loss, please contact your nearest health care provider and get help.
Association of Health Care Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) article written by: Dr. Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse, consultant psychiatrist.
Feedback: (Dr. Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse +263777727332 www.ahfoz.org ; [email protected])
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