Experiencing the loss of a baby at any stage of pregnancy is devastating. It does not matter how far along your pregnancy was.
The information below explains the different types of pregnancy loss. You can also find more information on the NHS Choices website.
Miscarriage
A miscarriage is a loss which happens during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Miscarriages between 13 and 23 weeks of pregnancy are known as late miscarriages. Sadly, a miscarriage occurs in one in four pregnancies and in most cases, we do not know why the miscarriage occurs.
You can view videos of bereaved parents sharing their personal stories and experiences of pregnancy loss between 20 weeks and 24 weeks of pregnancy by clicking the link below:
Ending a pregnancy for medical reasons
Some families are faced with the difficult decision to end their pregnancy for medical reasons, following an antenatal diagnosis.
In these situations, your care will be coordinated by the fetal medicine clinic, who will provide you with individualised support at this difficult time. They will discuss with you your options and what to expect.
Our specialist bereavement midwife will also be available to support you alongside our fetal medicine team.
Further information about ending a pregnancy for medical reasons can be found at NHS choices website.
ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices) are a national charity who provide families with independent information and emotional support through antenatal testing and its consequences.
ARC ending a pregnancy after a prenatal diagnosis leafletStillbirth
When a baby dies beyond 24 full weeks of pregnancy either before or during birth, this is known as a stillbirth.
Below are videos which show real-life experience of families whose baby was stillborn.
The following video by Best Beginnings explores the experiences of two mums whose babies were stillborn.
Stillbirth Stories is a collection of interviews with bereaved individuals and health professionals talking about their experiences of stillbirth. Interviews can be listened to in full or short clips are searchable by theme.
Neonatal death
A baby which is born alive at any gestation, who subsequently days within 28 days of their birth is known as a neonatal death.
Support
There are many support organisations offering support to bereaved families through helplines, groups and information. More details can be found here.