Are you experiencing reproductive loss?

The loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, or through continued unsuccessful efforts at family planning can lead to intense feelings of sadness and grieving, referred to as reproductive loss or reproductive grief.

These emotions can be complex and difficult to process, and many women often suffer alone, especially when this loss occurs before they have shared the news that they are pregnant with friends and family.  

If you have experienced reproductive loss, you are not alone. 

It is estimated that between 10% – 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage1. Around 30% – 50% of these losses will produce feelings of anxiety in women, with 10%-15% experiencing symptoms of depression.2

Although reproductive loss is deeply personal and often veiled in silence, it is more commonly experienced than many would think. 

Reproductive grief is different from other forms of grief because you are grieving the loss of a future.

Unlike the loss of a loved one whom we have known and been able to spend time with in the past, reproductive loss is unique in that it leaves a void in the future in the shape of an unmet child. 

Reproductive grief also often has an element of disenfranchised grief, a term that refers to grief that feels like it cannot be publicly or openly acknowledged because it is stigmatized by society. In these situations, the feeling of loss is often feels like it is unjustified and may go unacknowledged or ignored.3 

Additionally, the bonding process between mother and the developing fetus also often begins extremely early, so it can be hard to articulate the intense feelings of loss when that pregnancy ends.  

Mothers who have undergone an abortion may experience their own unique form of grief.

If you are struggling to heal after a miscarriage or still birth, Obria can help you find resources that can help.  

1 in 4 women lose their baby during pregnancy, delivery, or infancy.

If you find yourself overwhelmed or in need of local support, find a counselor in your area or contact one of our locations to assist you. While Obria.org is not a professional counseling site, nor is it meant to replace professional counseling, we are happy to help connect you to whatever resources you may need. 

Sometimes a reproductive loss experience can create intense emotions that you may not feel equipped to deal with on your own. Please use the Find Help locator to access national and local support resources.  

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) if you are thinking about or planning to hurt yourself. 

lf you are having a hard time coping with reproductive loss, here are some general recommendations to help facilitate healing: