If you or your partner are pregnant after pregnancy loss or baby loss, this is likely to be a time of many emotions and heightened anxiety. You may have many questions about what will happen.
Your maternity team is there to make sure you and your baby have the care you need. Your and your baby’s wellbeing will be their first priority.
Talk to the maternity staff about any worries you may have, including when you just need reassurance. They understand that this is an anxious time. You might find it helpful to make a note of any questions or concerns before your appointments, as it can be harder to remember everything you want to ask when feeling anxious.
A clear and respectful way to signal bereavement helps ensure continuity of care and protects families from the unnecessary distress of having to repeatedly explain their situation. Your maternity record -paper or electronic - can be marked to alert staff to your pregnancy history. This may be a Sands teardrop sticker on your notes or an electronic alert in your digital record. These markers help staff provide sensitive and informed care. If your midwife doesn't already have a Sands teardrop sticker, or if you're unsure whether an electronic alert is in place, please speak to them.
If you have any concerns about your baby's or your own health, please contact your maternity team straight away. Some parents worry about "being a nuisance" or wasting staff time - but please don't. Midwives and doctors consistently say they would much rather hear from you than risk missing something important. Your wellbeing and peace of mind matter.
Staff are there to support you with any feelings or worries you may have. Make sure you know who to contact in different situations - this might be your midwife or a named contact - and keep their details somewhere easy to find.
Remember Sands is here to support you.
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Information you can trust
Our Safer Pregnancy website has good, straight-talking, general advice for all pregnant women, with tips on staying healthy and reducing possible risks.
FAQs
- I’m not in an antenatal group - are there other parents like me I can talk with?
Sands Online Community has a group for bereaved parents in a subsequent pregnancy. Some of our local support groups also offer sessions specifically for bereaved parents in a subsequent pregnancy. Your local support group can tell you what is available in your area.
- Will I have special care during this pregnancy – I’m scared things will go wrong again?
It’s important that you continue to attend all your scheduled antenatal appointments, so you have the care you need.
Your maternity team should be familiar with your history and make sure your care takes that into account. If you are worried or unhappy with your care, talk to your midwife or doctor. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, or share concerns. You can use Sands Helpline to talk about any concerns, call free 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk
- I’m worried about my baby’s movements
If you think your baby’s movements have changed or slowed down, ring your maternity team straight away. Don’t wait until the next day. Your maternity team can advise you about what to do so they can check your baby’s wellbeing.
- Will I have a choice about which maternity unit I give birth in?
This will depend on how maternity services in your local area are organised. If the choices available are inappropriate for you, speak to your midwife or doctor and tell them about your concerns.