Parents’ concerns about future pregnancy after stillbirth: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectivesAs stillbirth has a devastating impact, it is imperative to understand the importance of clinical and emotional care after stillbirth and how it influences subsequent pregnancies. The aim of the study was to gain insight into the consideration and planning of a subsequent pregnancy by parents in the weeks following stillbirth.DesignA qualitative semi‐structured interview format was utilized. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed as the analytic strategy.Participants and settingThe recruitment strategy focused on couples whereby the parents of ten stillborn babies were contacted; however, five men declined to participate in the study. The final sample of 15 parents were all Irish: ten of whom were female and five of whom were male.ResultsFindings revealed two superordinate themes relating to a subsequent pregnancy after stillbirth: aspirations for future pregnancy and expectations of future care. Parents disclosed how the prospect of a subsequent pregnancy was daunting with fears about the potential loss of another child. Despite these fears, parents’ aspirations differed in the days following stillbirth; mothers wished to plan a future pregnancy while fathers were reluctant to consider any pregnancies. Parents were unsure of what to expect in terms of the level of care that would be provided to them in a subsequent pregnancy. Additional appointments at the maternity hospital were considered crucial to provide reassurance during a subsequent pregnancy.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the far‐reaching and contrasting effects of stillbirth on parents. These complex needs highlight the importance of the multidisciplinary team approach.

Care in subsequent pregnancies following stillbirth: an international survey of parents

“…The risk of stillbirth recurrence in the current study was 2.9%, which is similar to that reported in the systematic review by Lamont et al (2.5%) . Our findings around increased antepartum surveillance are also consistent with previous research . Additional antenatal care visits and ultrasound scans therefore appear to be frequently provided in pregnancies subsequent to stillbirth, often bringing increased healthcare costs .…”

“…The majority of parents conceived their subsequent pregnancy within 1 year following stillbirth, and over one‐third within 5 months. These data are consistent with previous studies, and may be explained by the overwhelming desire among many women to fulfil their reproductive aspirations and expectations . An interpregnancy interval of 15–24 months has been recommended following stillbirth to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, although evidence to support this recommendation is limited .…”

Prevalence of unintended pregnancy and associated factors among married women in west Belessa Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia, 2016

“…When a woman had a history of stillbirth, she might fear its re-occurrence and have less desire to become pregnant again [17, 23]. Unintended pregnancy was also higher among married pregnant women in the age group of 40–44 years.…”

Women’s Lived Experience of Embodied Disenfranchised Grief: Loss, Betrayal, and the Double Jeopardy

“…The naivety upon which the previous pregnancy was embarked is gone, with the parents now knowing that there is never a guarantee of a healthy baby. Furthermore, a loss of trust occurs in their body's ability to nurture and maintain a successful pregnancy, with the resultant fear of a recurrence of further pregnancy loss (Meredith, et al, 2017;Meaney, Everard, Gallagher, & O'Donoghue, 2016).…”

“…This can be anything from opinions on lifestyle choices to advice on how best to prepare for the expected arrival. These factors, along with the assignment of personhood, and the visualisation of the unborn child all contribute to the growing social connection of the child within society (Martel, 2014;Meaney, et al, 2016). …”