This study explores the lived experiences and the most important aspects of person-centred care for Canadian families experiencing a pregnancy after a stillbirth. Participants' responses identified that pregnancy after stillbirth is an extremely stressful time requiring patient-oriented care and support, both physically and psychologically. Families were able to articulate specific areas that would have improved the experience of their subsequent pregnancy. Parents asked for high-quality clinical and psychosocial prenatal care that was specific to them having experienced a prior stillbirth. They also requested connections to others experiencing this similar scenario. Further research is needed to delineate what supports and resources would be needed to ensure this care would be available to all families experiencing pregnancy after stillbirth across Canada and their caregivers.
References
Meaney S, Everard CM, Gallagher S, O’Donoghue K. Parents’ concerns about future pregnancy after stillbirth: a qualitative study. Health Expect. 2017;20(4):555–62.
Fockler ME, Ladhani NNN, Watson J, Barrett JFR. Pregnancy subsequent to stillbirth: Medical and psychosocial aspects of care. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017;22(3):186–92.
Wojcieszek AM, Boyle FM, Belizán JM, Cassidy J, Cassidy P, Erwich J, et al. Care in subsequent pregnancies following stillbirth: an international survey of parents. BJOG: Int J Obstet. 2018;125(2):193–201.
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