University of Louisville
Perinatal Loss and Birth of a Subsequent Child
Institution
University of Louisville
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Marianne Hutti
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of previous perinatal loss on mothers’ emotional distress during the birth of a subsequent healthy infant. Perinatal loss includes fetal death (early or late) or neonatal death within the first 28 days of life. Such losses are traumatic events in the lives of families and may have long-term consequences for the psychological health of parents. Expectant mothers frequently experience apprehension about the outcome of the current pregnancy that oftentimes leads to depression and anxiety. It is unclear whether increased psychological distress during subsequent pregnancies continues after the birth of a healthy infant. The specific aims of this study are to: 1) determine whether mothers’ depressive symptoms, anxiety, and healthcare utilization vary by prior loss experience during the late perinatal period, and 2) determine whether mothers’ depressive symptoms, anxiety, and healthcare utilization vary by the type of loss experience (miscarriage, still-birth, neonatal death) during the late perinatal period. A three-group, three-wave panel design will be used to collect data from expectant mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy, between 24-28 weeks gestation. The sample will consist of 50 mothers with a history of prior perinatal loss (early or late fetal or neonatal death), 50 mothers pregnant for the first time, and 50 mothers who have experienced a previous pregnancy and no loss. Measures include: depressive symptoms, anxiety, impact of the previous loss on current emotions, healthcare utilization. Knowledge gained from this study may help healthcare practitioners provide more informed and compassionate care to these highly distressed and vulnerable mothers.
Perinatal Loss and Birth of a Subsequent Child
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of previous perinatal loss on mothers’ emotional distress during the birth of a subsequent healthy infant. Perinatal loss includes fetal death (early or late) or neonatal death within the first 28 days of life. Such losses are traumatic events in the lives of families and may have long-term consequences for the psychological health of parents. Expectant mothers frequently experience apprehension about the outcome of the current pregnancy that oftentimes leads to depression and anxiety. It is unclear whether increased psychological distress during subsequent pregnancies continues after the birth of a healthy infant. The specific aims of this study are to: 1) determine whether mothers’ depressive symptoms, anxiety, and healthcare utilization vary by prior loss experience during the late perinatal period, and 2) determine whether mothers’ depressive symptoms, anxiety, and healthcare utilization vary by the type of loss experience (miscarriage, still-birth, neonatal death) during the late perinatal period. A three-group, three-wave panel design will be used to collect data from expectant mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy, between 24-28 weeks gestation. The sample will consist of 50 mothers with a history of prior perinatal loss (early or late fetal or neonatal death), 50 mothers pregnant for the first time, and 50 mothers who have experienced a previous pregnancy and no loss. Measures include: depressive symptoms, anxiety, impact of the previous loss on current emotions, healthcare utilization. Knowledge gained from this study may help healthcare practitioners provide more informed and compassionate care to these highly distressed and vulnerable mothers.