Effect of bereavement counselling on psychological problems associated with pregnancy loss in women

Pregnancy is a joyful experience for a woman in child bearing period of life. It is

one of the mile stones that is likely to be stressful. However, it is also rewarding for the

reason that the woman takes on a new level of responsibility. Women tend to be secretive

about their pregnancy in the first trimester because of the fear of pregnancy loss. When

they progress in pregnancy and feel the foetal movement, they feel so excited that they

want to share it with everyone. They gradually develop an emotional attachment with the

unborn child. As pregnancy advances the foetus reaches the maximum growth and

prepares to adapt to extra uterine life, the anxiety of the woman about the childbirth

process increases. Parents look forward to delivering a healthy baby and dream of a

happy and contented future. Such plans and dreams are shattered when the death of the

unborn or new born occurs and it is a heart breaking incident for the parents and the

family. This painful and traumatic event can occur at any time during pregnancy,

childbirth or during the neonatal period. When it happens, the women experience a

significant loss of the body's functional adequacy associated with body image and

feelings of self-worth.