Understanding Pregnancy and Infant Loss: A Closer Look

Pregnancy and infant loss is a challenging topic, but it's crucial to discuss. Health professionals are dedicated to raising awareness about this issue, emphasizing that such losses can occur in various ways.

Types of Loss

• Miscarriage: Typically occurs early in pregnancy, often before 20 weeks.
• Stillbirth: Happens later, after 20 weeks, but the baby is not born alive.

Causes

These losses can result from:

• Problems with the baby's development or chromosomes
• Issues with the uterus, umbilical cord, or placenta

Unfortunately, these tragedies are often unavoidable.

Statistics in Wisconsin

• 5% of pregnancies result in stillbirth.
• Higher risk for women aged 40 or older.
• More common in non-Hispanic Black, Native American, and Native Alaskan communities compared to Caucasian communities.

Prevention and Awareness

Experts recommend:

• Regular prenatal check-ups
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

• Monitoring the baby's movements

• 30% of stillbirths could potentially be helped by monitoring the baby's kicks, translating to around 100 births a year in Wisconsin.

Healing and Support

Although common, these losses are often not preventable. It's essential to remember that it's not the mother's fault. Grief is personal and unique to each individual. Acknowledging the loss in a way that feels right is crucial. Talking about it can be a significant part of the healing process.