Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing : JOGNN
-
J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs · Nov 2009
The influence of prior perinatal loss on parents' psychological distress after the birth of a subsequent healthy infant.
To evaluate the long-term influence of a previous perinatal loss on parents' psychological distress during a subsequent childbearing experience. ⋯ While levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms decreased for parents who have experienced a previous perinatal loss, posttraumatic stress levels remained moderately high. It is unclear how this compares to parents without losses. These may be the unique symptoms and concerns these parents have about their new infant. Parents with a history of prior loss should have assessments carefully tailored to their experiences to anticipate continued psychological distress.