Reactions to perinatal loss: a qualitative analysis of the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1993 Apr;63(2):215-22. doi: 10.1037/h0079417.

Abstract

Women who had experienced an infant or fetal death responded to an open-ended question on the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey about their perinatal experience. A qualitative analysis of the 413 responses identified six major themes, including need for further information, problems with the mourning process, and unresolved questions about the cause of the death. Implications of the findings for health care practice are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Female
  • Fetal Death*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Grief*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pregnancy / psychology*