Psychological Support for Patients After Pregnancy Loss

Abstract

This article offers an overarching review of the literature on pregnancy loss including key terminology, standard medical treatments, patients’ reactions to pregnancy loss, and empirically supported psychological interventions for supporting loss patients. The remainder of the article delves into specific applications of therapeutic approaches for health service psychologists working with pregnancy loss patients. The vignette of a patient’s story highlights challenges that pregnancy loss patients often face and demonstrates how the health service psychologist can ultimately facilitate healing. We conclude with a list of practical “Do’s and Don’ts” for the health service psychologist working with pregnancy loss patients.

Continuing Education Information

1 CE Credit, Instructional Level: Intermediate

1 Contact Hour (New York Board of Psychology)

Disclosures: Author has no conflicts of interest to disclose. Generative AI was not used for the development or content of this presentation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe potential treatments and aftermath of pregnancy loss.
2. Identify a primary source of dissatisifaction with miscarriage care.
3. List recommended therapeutic strategies for mental health providers supporting patients experiencing pregnancy loss.

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CE Disclaimers

The National Register of Health Service Psychologists is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The National Register maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

The National Register of Health Service Psychologists is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0010