Perinatal Psychology
Pregnancy Loss, Miscarriage, Stillbirth, TFMR, and Support After Loss
Pregnancy loss can be a deeply painful experience. It may bring grief, sadness, anxiety, anger, confusion, or a mix of emotions. Everyone responds to pregnancy loss differently, and there is no single “right” way to grieve.
At Lotus Health and Psychology, we provide compassionate psychological support for people and families experiencing pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and termination for medical reasons (TFMR). We can also support you through the emotional challenges that may come with pregnancy after loss or after infertility.
Pregnancy Loss and Grief
Pregnancy loss can affect you emotionally in many different ways. You may be grieving the pregnancy, your hopes for the future, or the family you imagined.
After an early pregnancy loss or miscarriage, some people experience sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, or difficulty talking about what happened. Others may feel numb or unsure about how they are expected to feel.
Support can provide a safe space to process your experience, understand your emotions, and cope with grief at your own pace.
TFMR (Termination for Medical Reasons)
Termination for medical reasons (TFMR) refers to ending a pregnancy following a serious medical concern or diagnosis affecting the pregnancy.
A medical termination can involve complex and difficult decisions. People may experience grief, uncertainty, guilt, sadness, or other emotions before and after the termination. These feelings can also continue into future pregnancies.
Psychological support can provide a confidential and non-judgmental space to process the experience and work through grief and other emotions.
Pregnancy After Loss
A pregnancy after miscarriage or another pregnancy loss can bring many different emotions. You may feel excited and hopeful while also feeling anxious or worried that another loss could happen.
It can sometimes be difficult to enjoy a new pregnancy after experiencing loss. Pregnancy milestones, medical appointments, physical symptoms, or reminders of a previous pregnancy may bring up difficult feelings.
There is no set way to feel during a pregnancy after loss. Psychological support can help you manage anxiety, process grief, and adjust to the emotional changes that may come with another pregnancy.
Pregnancy After Infertility
Becoming pregnant after infertility or fertility treatment can bring a mixture of relief, hope, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Even when pregnancy is wanted and hoped for, previous experiences with infertility can make it difficult to feel relaxed or confident. You may find yourself worrying about the pregnancy or feeling unable to celebrate fully.
Support during this time can help you understand and manage these emotions while making space for both hope and the experiences that came before.
Support After Pregnancy Loss or TFMR
You do not have to work through pregnancy loss or TFMR alone. Psychological support can provide a safe place to talk about your experience and the emotions that may follow.
At Lotus Health and Psychology, support may be helpful when you are experiencing grief, anxiety, difficult thoughts, relationship challenges, or concerns about a future pregnancy.
We also recognise that support can look different for everyone. You may want help soon after a loss, during a subsequent pregnancy, or months or years later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TFMR (Termination for Medical Reasons)?
TFMR is ending a pregnancy because of a serious medical condition affecting the pregnancy. It can involve complex emotions, and psychological support may help with grief and adjustment.
What is pregnancy after loss like?
Pregnancy after loss can bring hope and happiness alongside anxiety or fear. Previous loss may make pregnancy milestones feel especially difficult or emotional.
When can you try to become pregnant after a pregnancy loss?
The timing varies depending on your health and the type of loss. Your doctor can advise when it is medically appropriate to try again.
What should I know about pregnancy after infertility?
Pregnancy after infertility can bring joy as well as worry or uncertainty. Previous fertility experiences may affect how you feel during pregnancy.
Can a pregnancy test still be positive after a miscarriage?
Yes. A pregnancy test may remain positive for some time after a miscarriage while pregnancy hormone levels decrease. Speak with your doctor if you are concerned about the result.
Information and Support for Perinatal Loss
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Bears of Hope
“We provide support for families who experience the loss of their baby. Let’s walk this journey together.”
www.bearsofhope.org.au (opens in a new tab) -
Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Newborn Death Support (SANDS)
“Sands is a volunteer-based organisation providing individualised care from one bereaved parent to another, giving them support and hope for the future, following the death of a baby.”
www.sands.org.au (opens in a new tab) -
The Pink Elephants Support Network
“Pink Elephants provides the latest resources, information and peer-support for anyone impacted by early pregnancy loss. They offer a single source of specialist support for anyone who has directly experienced it, for family and friends, corporate partners or healthcare professionals seeking proven ways to help”.
www.pinkelephants.org.au (opens in a new tab) -
The Glimmer Project
“Supporting women and their families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, TFMR, or neonatal loss. Find hope, light, and connection. Join the Glimmer Online 3 Week Program. Learn from baby-loss experts on The Glimmer Podcast.”
www.theglimmerproject.com (opens in a new tab) -
Precious Wings
“Our Purpose: To provide love, hope, understanding and support to families facing the devastating loss of their child. To ensure all families who have lost a child have a feeling of ‘not being alone’ when leaving hospital with empty arms, and that they receive the support they need to navigate this difficult grief journey.”
www.preciouswings.org (opens in a new tab)