Hope for the best …but expect the worst: a qualitative study to explore how women with recurrent miscarriage experience the early waiting period of a new pregnancy

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate how women experience the initial period of a new pregnancy after suffering recurrent miscarriage (RM).DesignA qualitative study, nested within a randomised controlled feasibility study of a coping intervention for RM, used semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic network approach.SettingParticipants were recruited from the Recurrent Miscarriage Clinic and Early Pregnancy Unit in two tertiary referral hospitals in the UK.Participants14 women with RMs and who had previously participated in the randomised controlled trial (RCT) feasibility component of the study were recruited.ResultsSeven organising themes emerged from the data: (1) turmoil of emotions, (2) preparing for the worst, (3) setting of personal milestones, (4) hypervigilance, (5) social isolation, (6) adoption of pragmatic approaches, (7) need for professional affirmation.ConclusionsThe study established that for women with a history of RM, the waiting period of a new pregnancy is a traumatic time of great uncertainty and emotional turmoil and one in which they express a need for emotional support. Consideration should be given to the manner in which supportive care is best delivered within the constraints of current health service provision.Trial registration numberISRCTN43571276

Meditation and mindfulness reduce perceived stress in women with recurrent pregnancy loss: a randomized controlled trial

“…Among women referred to a tertiary RPL unit, approximately one-third will not go on to have a live birth (Lund et al, 2012). RPL is associated with considerable psychological hardship and research shows higher rates of stress, depression and anxiety in this group compared with other women trying to conceive (Bailey et al, 2019;Kolte et al, 2015;Lok and Neugebauer, 2007;Toffol et al, 2013). The current European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guideline on RPL states that the emotional impact should be considered (Bender Atik et al, 2018).…”

Anxiety, depression and social support across pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage: A prospective study

“…Fearing potential miscarriage in early pregnancy, the women might not disclose their pregnancy to their family, isolating them from possible sources of social support. Bailey et al (2019) pointed out that pregnant women with a history of RM were uncertain about the ongoing pregnancy and concealed their pregnancy. Earlier studies also found that pregnancy after suffering miscarriages might induce feelings of lost control and lack of support and understanding (Bailey et al, 2019;Ockhuijsen et al, 2015).…”

“…Bailey et al (2019) pointed out that pregnant women with a history of RM were uncertain about the ongoing pregnancy and concealed their pregnancy. Earlier studies also found that pregnancy after suffering miscarriages might induce feelings of lost control and lack of support and understanding (Bailey et al, 2019;Ockhuijsen et al, 2015). Research to develop evidence-based interventions to enhance the level of social support in pregnant women with a history of RM is warranted, especially during the first trimester.…”

Analysis of the clinical features of pericentric inversion of chromosome 9

“…Spontaneous abortion was defined as the natural death of an embryo or fetus before 20 weeks gestation. 13 , 14 The other group for women mainly referred to biochemical pregnancy, abnormal menstruation, IVF failure, and uterine hypoplasia. Adult patients with normal physical examination for standardized karyotyping during this period served as a control group, including 98 men and 74 women.…”