Pregnancy and/or infant loss can be one of the most devastating experiences a person can face. Whether it happens early in pregnancy or later on, the grief can be deep, complex, and often invisible to others. During Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we honor those who have suffered this loss and acknowledge the many emotions that accompany it.

It’s important for families to know they are not alone. Healing from pregnancy or infant loss takes time, compassion, and support from loved ones, health care providers, and others who have walked the same path.

Understanding Pregnancy Loss

Pregnancy loss is more common than many realize. Studies show that about one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, often due to chromosomal abnormalities that prevent normal fetal development. In these situations, nothing the patient did or did not do caused the loss — it is typically a natural biological event.

Other causes of pregnancy loss can include uterine abnormalities, autoimmune conditions, or medical complications such as high blood pressure or infection. After a loss, your health care provider may recommend specific tests to determine if any underlying medical factors are present. Understanding these causes helps guide future care and provides reassurance about what to expect moving forward.

Can I Get Pregnant Again?

Physically, the body often recovers from a loss, whether early or later in pregnancy within a few weeks, but each person’s timeline is different. Many patients can safely conceive again after one or two menstrual cycles, depending on their health and individual circumstances. However, timing should always be discussed with a provider who can assess factors such as maternal age, overall health, and any medical findings related to the loss.

Emotionally, readiness is just as important. Grief following pregnancy loss can manifest as sadness, guilt, anxiety, or fear of recurrence. Counseling, support groups, or therapy can play an important role in the process of navigating the loss.

The Importance of Support

Pregnancy loss can feel isolating, but it is not uncommon. You do not have to go through it alone. Connecting with others who have experienced similar loss can be a valuable part of healing. UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus offers a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group for parents and families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. The group provides a safe and compassionate environment to share experiences, ask questions, and receive guidance from professionals who understand the emotional impact of pregnancy loss.

Pregnancy loss changes lives, but it doesn’t define them. With time, support, and compassionate care, many families find hope, meaning, and positive ways forward.

If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy or infant loss, talk with your health care provider about support options and available resources. To learn more about UPMC’s Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group, call 570-321-3299 or talk to your UPMC health care provider.

To learn more about UPMC Magee-Womens services in northcentral Pennsylvania, go to UPMC.com/WomensHealthNCPA.

by
Mary Alice DeCoursey, CNM
Brenda Terry-Manchester, director
Joyce Wilson, lead chaplain
UPMC Magee-Womens