Source: Northern Ireland Direct
Date published:
The loss of a baby, whether it is through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatally, or as an infant is devastating for parents and families. Support for parents and families is available from a number of sources.
Miscarriage
If a pregnancy ends before 24 weeks, it is known as a miscarriage.
You can find out more at this link:
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when a pregnancy develops outside the womb. It can be serious, so it’s important to get medical advice right away.
An ectopic pregnancy doesn’t always cause symptoms. Sometimes it is found during a routine pregnancy scan.
You can find out more, including symptoms, at this link:
Stillbirth
A stillbirth is when a baby is born with no signs of life after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant and are worried about anything – for example you have noticed your baby moving less than usual or you feel unwell – contact your midwife or doctor straight away.
You can find out more at this link:
Sudden unexpected death in infants
Sudden unexpected death in infants – sometimes known as ‘cot death’ – is the unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.
It is rare and the risk of a baby dying from it is low.
You can get more information at this link:
Support
There are a number of organisations which offer support to those affected by the loss of a baby.
Support is available through helplines, group support, as well as one-to-one counselling.
The hospital where you had your antenatal care/ baby can also signpost you to bereavement services.