Previous Loss in Pregnancy: The Journey to Motherhood - V 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Caregiving Expectations in pregnant women following pregnancy loss: A cross-sectional study
IRAS ID
337799
Contact name
Andrew Gumley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Background: During pregnancy, mothers will become increasingly emotionally invested in their unborn child, creating mental imagery around their future role as a mother and their relationship with their baby. Research has found that these prenatal caregiving expectations can predict the quality of the relationship with the baby during infancy.
Current research has found a number of adverse psychological outcomes that are linked to the experience of pregnancy loss, including grief, depression and anxiety, which can persist into the next pregnancy and after birth. Studies have also suggested that following a pregnancy loss, the mother-infant relationship is more likely to be adversely affected. There is some evidence to suggest that the way mothers mentally prepare for a baby following a loss is different, although so far the findings have been contradictory and of variable quality.Research Questions: What do caregiving expectations look like in women who are currently pregnant following one or more pregnancy losses? Do experiences of grief, trauma, anxiety or social support predict caregiving expectations?
Participants: Women who are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy and have experienced at least one pregnancy loss, at any stage of the pregnancy.
Method: Participants will anonymously complete a variety of online self-report questionnaires, which will aim to capture current expectations of their future relationship with their baby, in addition to details about current grief, anxiety, trauma and relationships. It will collect details about previous pregnancy loss, such as the number and date of last loss.
Practical Applications and Dissemination: The findings could provide rationale to provide psychological input to this group during pregnancy to improve psychological outcomes. I plan to share the findings with maternity and perinatal related services in Ayrshire. I plan to publish the findings in a peer reviewed journal to hopefully impact this clinical group more widely.
Lay summary of study results:
Background During pregnancy, mothers become increasingly emotionally invested in their unborn child, imagining their future role as a mother and their relationship with their baby. Research has found that these prenatal caregiving expectations can predict the quality of the relationship with the baby during infancy.
Current research has found a number of negative outcomes that are linked to experience of pregnancy loss, including grief, post-traumatic stress and anxiety, which can persist into the next pregnancy and after birth. Studies have also suggested that following a pregnancy loss, the mother-infant relationship is more likely to be adversely affected. There is some evidence to suggest that the way mothers mentally prepare for a baby following a loss is different, although so far the findings have been contradictory and of variable quality.Aims and Questions
What do caregiving expectations look like in women who are currently pregnant following one or more pregnancy losses? Do experiences of grief, trauma, anxiety or social support predict caregiving expectations?Method
We recruited people from the UK who are currently in their second or third trimester of pregnancy and have experienced at least one pregnancy loss, at any stage of the pregnancy. Study leaflets were distributed across Ayrshire, Scotland in NHS Maternity Clinics, in addition to support groups. We also advertised the study online through pregnancy forums, support groups, and baby loss charities on platforms like Reddit, Instagram, and X. Participants completed online self-report questionnaires. These captured participants’ expectations of their future relationship with their baby, in addition to details of current grief, anxiety, trauma and social support. We also collected demographic and pregnancy details, such as: the number, stage of the previous loss and time since the loss.Main Findings and Conclusions
We gathered information from 83 pregnant individuals and found that, overall, participants reported high levels of optimal caregiving expectations, reflecting commitment to and enjoyment of their baby. There was moderate agreement with caregiving expectations that reflected a mother finding it difficult to separate from their baby and expectations that their child will meet some of their emotional needs. We found that stronger social support was associated with more optimal caregiving expectations. Mental health outcomes did not generally predict caregiving expectations, except for anxiety, which was linked to feelings of helplessness when caring for the baby. Additionally, caregiving expectations were influenced by factors such as the level of deprivation in the area where participants lived, whether they already had children, and the timing of their pregnancy.
This study highlights how pregnancy loss can impact mothers during future pregnancies and offers valuable insights into the role of mental health and social support in shaping pregnancy experiences. While more research is needed to build on these findings, this study offers valuable insights for clinicians to consider when supporting the psychological wellbeing of mothers who have previously experienced pregnancy loss.REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EE/0061
Date of REC Opinion
9 May 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion