PREGNANCY LOSS AND GRIEF: NURSING SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES EXPERIENCING MISCARRIAGE OR STILLBIRTH
Keywords:
Pregnancy loss, miscarriage, stillbirth, nursing care, grief counseling, bereavement support, family-centered care, perinatal loss, compassionate care, mental health in nursing.Abstract
Pregnancy loss, whether due to miscarriage or stillbirth, is a heart-breaking experience for families, resulting in profound grief and emotional distress. The role of nurses in this process is critical in providing compassionate, evidence-based care that supports families throughout their grieving process. This review article delves into the psychological and emotional impacts of pregnancy loss on families, explores grief responses, and emphasizes the pivotal role nurses play in offering both immediate and long-term support. Through a combination of emotional support, practical guidance, grief counseling, and family-centered care, nurses contribute significantly to the healing journey of families experiencing this type of loss. Additionally, this article outlines the challenges nurses face in delivering bereavement care and provides evidence-based recommendations to optimize the support provided to grieving families.