I remember like it was yesterday.
The tiny fingers that curled up into fists, fists literally clinging onto life.
The tiny baby was delivered at 22 weeks, a stillborn. I was helping with the
delivery and was able to cut the umbilical cord. Never would I imagine my first
time cutting the cord would be in this situation. I remember hearing the
mother’s pain through her screams and tears. As the healthcare providers, we
helped in the delivery and aftercare of the labor. Afterwards, I was struck how
there was no discussion or conversation with the mother who just lost her
child. We closed the doors after the delivery and in turn closed the door on
the traumatic experience that just occurred. I remember when my aunt herself
had a miscarriage. Her family and friends all empathized with the loss but could
not understand why my aunt was still feeling sad and depressed after many
months after the incident. I saw my aunt spiral into a deeper depression as she
could not find any support after miscarriage. Unfortunately, these are not isolated
reactions to miscarriage in society.
Miscarriage is one of the most
common complications of pregnancy, occurring around 15% of all clinically
recognized pregnancies. One in four women experience miscarriage in their
lifetime. Many women following the loss of their child feel grief, sadness, and
depression. These mental health issues are only exacerbated by society’s lack
of consideration and belief that no loss has occurred. Mental health issues
that these childless mothers face are perpetuated in this way. As healthcare
professionals, we must do better and continuously monitor our patient’s moods
and behaviors following their loss. Mental health services should immediately
be offered to women who experience the loss to normalize their feelings and
help mitigate any long-term consequences.
Ammarah Spall, MS4
Drexel University College of Medicine
