The truth about pregnancy and baby loss

Losing a baby is one of the hardest things anyone can face. Sadly, it’s more common than you might think. 

Every day in the UK, 13 babies die shortly before, during or soon after birth. At least 1 in 6 pregnancies end in miscarriage. 

About Sands

Sands is the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, saving babies’ lives through research, training and campaigning.

We are here to support everyone touched by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. Always.

Get involved

There are lots of ways you can help us save babies' lives and support bereaved families. Here are 3 ways you can make a difference today:

1. Sign up for the latest updates on how we're making change through research, training and campaigning, the support we offer, and activities like Baby Loss Awareness Week.
    
2. Have you experienced pregnancy or baby loss? Share your story. Reading the thoughts and feelings of others who've experienced baby loss can be incredibly helpful for bereaved families. When you share your story, you honour your baby and help to break the silence around pregnancy and baby loss.
    

3. Make a donation. Donate today and you will be making a huge difference to the lives of bereaved families in their darkest hours, helping to give them hope for the future. 

    

What is Sands Awareness Week?

Sands Awareness Week, 15-21 June, is a week when those in the Sands community and beyond can learn more about the work Sands does to save babies' lives and support bereaved families.

Thousands of parents and families experience the heartbreak of pregnancy and baby loss each year. This Sands Awareness Week, we want to raise public awareness of the scale and impact of baby loss, and reach more people, including those who aren't aware help and support is available. 

How Sands makes a difference for bereaved families 

Sands provides a safe, understanding and caring community for anyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss. We can help, whether loss happened recently or long ago. We're here to support, always. 

Join our community of compassionate changemakers. Together, we can support bereaved parents and families like Jaz, mum to Wyatt, Sands volunteer and campaigner. 

Read Jaz's story

My biggest dream and life goal was to become a mother, so when my partner and I found out we were pregnant and expecting our first son, Wyatt - we were ecstatic.

My pregnancy was what many refer to as ‘textbook’ right up until 39 weeks, when Wyatt’s growth began to decline and within two weeks his placenta stopped working. 

I cannot begin to explain how Wyatt’s death has affected me. It still shakes me to my core – it’s indescribable. His death has fuelled my purpose and passion to campaign for change – to improve maternity care, strengthen bereavement support and save babies’ lives.

Jaz, bereaved mum to Wyatt