Carrying Life While Carrying Loss: Grief, PTSD, and Depression in Subsequent Pregnancy.

Background

Pregnancy loss is a profoundly traumatic event that can leave lasting emotional and psychological effects. While subsequent pregnancies are often thought to ease grief, many women continue to experience unresolved distress.

Objective

This pilot study examined demographic, reproductive, and psychosocial correlates of grief intensity after pregnancy loss among women in the third trimester of a subsequent pregnancy.

Methods

Twenty partnered women who had experienced a prior pregnancy loss, now beyond the gestational age of that loss, were recruited from childbirth classes. Participants completed standardized measures of grief, social support, spirituality, post-traumatic stress, and depression.

Results

Grief intensity was significantly related to education, gestational age at loss, perceived social support, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress and depression.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that while subsequent pregnancies may soften grief, they have limited impact on PTSD and depressive symptoms. Targeted interventions remain critical for healing.