The impact of previous perinatal loss on subsequent pregnancy and parenting.

[child syndrome]

The loss of any pregnancy through miscarriage , ectopic pregnancy , stillbirth , or neonatal death presents as a significant life crisis for any woman and has far-reaching implications into a couple 's future aspirations . Planning another pregnancy after dealing with a perinatal loss is difficult and plagued by ambivalence , doubts , and insecurities . Despite this ambivalence , a majority of women do become pregnant within a year following a perinatal loss . Four recurring issues surrounding perinatal loss and subsequent pregnancy have been identified in this literature review : the effect of the grief process on the subsequent pregnancy ; parental coping mechanisms during the subsequent pregnancy ; replacement or vulnerable child syndrome ; and parenting issues with the subsequent live-born child . Issues surrounding anxiety as a coping mechanism during a pregnancy following a perinatal loss are documented consistently in the literature ; however , less is known about the impact that a loss has on parenting behaviors with subsequent children . Further research is imperative to examine these issues in more detail so that evidence-based practices can be established and updated . Health care providers are in a unique position to assist these couples in dealing with the issues that a perinatal loss may place on subsequent pregnancies . By providing a reassuring and supportive environment , women can achieve a positive pregnancy outcome with the correct tools to decrease anxiety and enhance attachment to the subsequent healthy child .