Pregnancy after losing a baby

Becoming pregnant again after living through a loss is a life-affirming action. Still, the loss may overshadow your excitement and hopes.

You may feel anxious about every new symptom during your pregnancy. Any cramp or discomfort may alarm you. You may check for bleeding regularly. Your symptoms may seem worse compared to those of other women. Remember that your concerns are normal. It is important to check with your health care provider or nurse midwife about what is normal for you.

Joy and grief

It's hard to find a way to live with grief and joy side by side.

• You struggle to welcome a new pregnancy and your new baby, yet still honor your previous baby.
• You may be afraid to let yourself feel excited, only to have your hopes dashed again.
• As you experience a healthy labor and birth, old wounds may reopen, causing you to grieve again for the child you lost.

Finding support

Your partner: Although you may feel that you and your partner talked through your loss long ago, talk about it again when you experience feelings of loss, worry, regret and sadness. Ask your partner to help you work through these feelings and welcome your new baby together. Special classes and support groups may help you both.

Family, friends, others: You may discover that your family and friends, while loving, are unable to provide you with all the help and support you need. Support groups where parents come together to share their fears, concerns and joys of pregnancy can be sources of strength, energy and hope. Groups are often facilitated by health care professionals with special education and interest in situations like yours.

Related Links

Pregnancy After a Loss Support Group

Infant/child loss services

Pregnancy loss

Allina Grief Resources

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/19/2003

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts