Waiting doesn't necessarily help grieving

Louie · 04-02-2003, 03:31 PM

I just stumbled upon this study on the internet which shows that for women suffering a m/c, getting pr again soon afterwards almost always helped to lessen feelings of despair and grief. The study was recommending that docs stop recommending that women wait after a m/c for a grieving period. Here it is:

7. (MEDLINE result)
Cuisinier M; Janssen H; de Graauw C; Bakker S; Hoogduin C. Pregnancy following miscarriage: course of grief and some determining factors.
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1996 Sep, 17(3):168-74.
(UI: 97047243)
Abstract: This prospective study aimed to investigate the impact of both (the speediness of) a subsequent pregnancy and the birth of a viable child on grief arising from a previous pregnancy loss. Data were collected from a series of written questionnaires. Of the 2140 pregnant women who participated in the study, 227 lost a baby by miscarriage (85%) or perinatal death (15%). In 221 women, the loss concerned a singleton. At each of four post-loss assessments, these women completed the Perinatal Grief Scale. They also indicated whether they had conceived again and, if they had, related how they felt about that. Data were analyzed by means of hierarchical multiple regression. Both conceiving again and the birth of a living child lessened grief. A speedy new pregnancy was only rarely found to be detrimental. It is suggested that parents, at least following miscarriage, no longer be advised to wait a specific time before conceiving again. Preferably their individual situation should be discussed with them in order to help them make their own informed decision concerning the subsequent pregnancy.

Sapphire Spirit · 04-03-2003, 01:06 AM

Thanks for sharing that Louie. I know after my first m/c I just wanted to try again straight away. I was definitely still grieving for my first baby but I found that to keep trying was a real process of hope and healing for me.
With my second m/c I wanted to wait a while as I was suffering anxiety attacks and wanted to really get on the way to feeling stronger (emotionally and spiritually) before starting again.
It's a shame Dr's don't more often suggest that women go with how THEY are feeling.......and if they are ready to try again straight away they should.
Hope the sun is coming through the clouds for you now Louie. You have been in my thoughts.
Take Care

Amy

MaLee · 04-03-2003, 02:29 AM

I could have told them that!

Quote:

Preferably their individual situation should be discussed with them in order to help them make their own informed decision concerning the subsequent pregnancy.

Doctor's, what do they know!

I from personal experience, having to wait to TTC is a 1000's times more detrimental than starting back right away. I wish I could have. I was going nuts. It really should all depend on the patient and what the patient wants.

*DesertRose* · 04-03-2003, 03:19 AM

Thanks for sharing the article with us Louie ... my ob/gyn never told me that I had to wait a certain time to start ttc again ... the only thing she said was that she could not let me go on injectables right after the m/c .... that's about it ......

I think that every woman should start ttc again when she feels ready to do so ..... and getting pg again real soon certainly might ease the pain ....