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Loss of pregnancy

Pregnancy does not always go as expected or hoped. Pregnancy ending on its own in the first weeks or months happens frequently. This happens less rarely in the later stages of pregnancy. This can be very stressful for pregnant women and the whole family. It is good to seek support in this case.

Loss of pregnancy refers to the unexpected and sudden loss of an unborn child. The term loss of pregnancy is used here instead of "miscarriage". This ultimately assumes that the mother's body is not working correctly. Some women or families prefer to call this a "little birth".

This often happens in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and is considered normal in most cases. In most cases, the body can handle the situation on its own without difficulty. Early loss of pregnancy is a healthy reaction of the maternal body to problems in child development. For those affected, however, the loss can trigger great sadness, shock, disappointment or even a feeling of having failed. It is important to seek support or guidance from specialists in this case.

Reasons for early loss of pregnancy

The  reasons for early loss of pregnancy can vary greatly. Genetic changes in the unborn baby are most often responsible for this. Sometimes there are also changes in the uterus or disturbances in the woman's hormonal balance. The reasons can also lie with the father. In most cases, the actual reason remains unclear. Early loss of pregnancy is more common in a very small number of women. When this happens a third time, a more detailed examination can be carried out on both parents.

Later loss of pregnancy

In the later phase of pregnancy, loss of pregnancy is significantly less common. If the child already weighs 500 grams, it is no longer referred to as a loss of pregnancy, but rather a stillbirth. Other legal claims (maternity leave, maternity allowance; for more information, see the BKA brochure – link below) apply here as well as in the case of an earlier loss of pregnancy.

Signs of loss of pregnancy

You may not notice any symptoms in the event of loss of pregnancy. In this case, the loss will be determined at the next examination. However, loss of pregnancy can also be associated with spontaneous bleeding and cramps in the lower abdominal area. These usually last a few hours.

Treatment after loss of pregnancy

In the case of early loss, there are three ways to proceed after loss of pregnancy: 

  • Wait and see: Often the body itself can initiate the "small birth" – without medication or treatment.
  • Initiation by medication
  • Curettage: curettage of the uterus

You are advised to take sufficient time to make this decision and to feel comfortable with it. There is no right or wrong answer. Some people still need time to process the news, while others may want to "act" as quickly as possible. A midwife or gynaecologist can provide information about this.

Support after loss of pregnancy

It can be helpful to seek advice from experienced people in advance and to organise support for the period that comes after. For many people affected, loss of pregnancy is a stressful experience. Saying goodbye to the lost child and other rituals can help you process it. Even children who do not reach 500 grams can officially be given a name and buried. Talking to other people affected by this often helps, for example in self-help groups. This can help you process this painful time.

Consciously examining the experience of loss of pregnancy in this way can have a positive effect in subsequent pregnancies. For this reason, the Frühe Hilfen (Early Intervention) programme can still be used for a period of time after loss of pregnancy. Or women can make use of the offer during their next pregnancy.

More information on the subject: 

From the 14th week of pregnancy, volunteer star child photographers can be hired to take beautiful souvenir photos of the deceased child: www.dein-sternenkind.eu