Infant and Baby Loss awareness week is marked every year between the 9-15 of october. And the entire month of october marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss awareness month.
This umbrella classification covers: Early Pregnancy Loss. Stillbirth. Infant Loss. Sadly, these are deeply painful experiences that many families face daily, but they receive little attention. It can also be a very difficult subject for families who are affected.
Early pregnancy loss is the most common type of loss. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), studies show that anywhere from 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in early pregnancy loss.
When fetal death occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is called stillbirth. These tragic deaths occur in about 1 in 160 pregnancies.
Miscarriage is when a baby (or fetus or embryo) dies in the uterus during pregnancy. That definition applies to pregnancies up to 23 weeks and 6 days, and any loss from 24 weeks is called a stillbirth. If the baby is born alive, even before 24 weeks, and lives even for a matter of minutes, that is considered a live birth and a neonatal death.
Miscarriages are much more common than most people realise.
Among women who know they’re pregnant, it’s estimated about 1 in 8 pregnancies will end in miscarriage.
Many more miscarriages happen before a woman is even aware she has become pregnant.
Symptoms of a miscarriage
The main sign of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding, which may be followed by cramping and pain in your lower abdomen.
But bear in mind that light vaginal bleeding is relatively common during the first trimester (first 3 months) of pregnancy and does not necessarily mean you’re having a miscarriage. However, it is best to see an obstetrician if you notice any vaginal bleeding while pregnant. In most cases, an ultrasound scan can determine if you’re having a miscarriage or not.
When a miscarriage is confirmed, a discussion needs to happen between the mother and doctor/midwife about the options for the management of the end of the pregnancy. Often the pregnancy tissue will pass out naturally in 1 or 2 weeks.
Sometimes medicine to assist the passage of the tissue may be recommended. For people who would rather not wait, a minor surgical procedure can be done to evacuate the womb.
What causes a miscarriage?
- There are probably many reasons why a miscarriage may happen, although the cause is not usually identified.
- The majority are not caused by anything the mother has done.
- It’s thought most miscarriages are caused by abnormal chromosomes in the baby.
- Chromosomes are genetic “building blocks” that guide the development of a baby.
- If a baby has too many or not enough chromosomes, it will not develop properly.
- For most women, a miscarriage is a one-off event and they go on to have a successful pregnancy in the future.
Can miscarriages be prevented?
- The majority of miscarriages cannot be prevented.
- But there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of a miscarriage. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs while pregnant.
- Being a healthy weight before getting pregnant, eating a healthy diet and reducing your risk of infection can also help.
A miscarriage can be an emotionally and physically draining experience.
Parents may have feelings of guilt, shock and anger.
After a miscarriage, it is fine to try for another baby as soon as your symptoms have settled and you’re emotionally and physically ready.
Most women are able to have a healthy pregnancy after a miscarriage, even in cases of recurrent miscarriages.
The loss of a pregnancy is just as devastating as the loss of any loved one and should not be minimised. Parents should be allowed to grieve however they see fit. If you know anyone who has experienced a pregnancy or infant loss, do your best to empathize and support them.
