Impact of contact with the baby following stillbirth on parental mental health and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: This study aims to identify and synthesize available research reporting parental mental health outcomes related to contact with a stillborn baby.

BACKGROUND

Stillbirth is devastating events for parents. The effects of contact with the stillborn baby on parental mental health are uncertain.

METHODS

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis carried out by searching six international electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, PsycINFO and CNKI databases from inception to 15 January 2023. Review Manager software was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included (n = 3974). Contact with a stillborn baby increased the risks of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in the short term and increased the risks of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder in the long term. Parents who had contact with a stillborn baby were more satisfied with their decision. Subgroup analysis showed that seeing a stillborn baby had no significant effect on anxiety or depression, but holding a stillborn baby increased the risks of anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers should respect the parents' decision on whether to have contact with the stillborn baby and provide parents with continuous information, emotional and behavioural support after they have contact with stillborn babies.