Most women have a normal, healthy pregnancy. But sometimes health complications can affect the outcome for both the mother and baby.

Miscarriage

One of the most common complications in early pregnancy is spontaneous miscarriage. A miscarriage is defined as the loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation. It is often an emotionally distressing event. Hospital staff can support you and your family during your experience of miscarriage and Pastoral Care can be available for all women of any gestation by asking your health care team to contact the Pastoral Care services.

Resources

Pregnancy loss in the first 13-weeks of pregnancy (PDF)

Bleeding and or pain in early pregnancy (PDF)

Support services for pregnancy and infant loss (PDF)

Bleeding in early pregnancy

If you have any bleeding during your pregnancy contact your midwife, doctor, or the hospital immediately so that appropriate tests and treatment can be started.

When a baby dies

Pregnancy loss can occur at any time, from very early in the pregnancy through to babies that die soon after birth. Despite advances in medicine and technology, a small percentage of pregnancies end prematurely, often for unknown reasons.

The Perinatal Loss Service at KEMH can offer you support and advice including:

• Crisis counselling
• Pastoral care
• Information
• Practical support and referral to community supports as needed