Orthodox Jewish women’s lived experience of pregnancy following a previous miscarriage

Background: Research has shown that women who experience a miscarriage can feel repercussions physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually for differing periods of time. Factors such as strength of relationships, medical support, meaning making, and physical wellbeing contribute to recovery time. Many women choose to attempt a subsequent pregnancy as part of their healing.

Purpose: This study aims to explore the lived experience of pregnancy post-miscarriage, specifically in the Orthodox Jewish community, as little research has been undertaken in this area.

Method: Seven participants were interviewed phenomenologically in a semi-structured interview, and IPA was used to discover common themes resulting from the experience.

Results: The results of this research found that for these participants a subsequent pregnancy does not mitigate the effects of miscarriage. Pregnancy subsequent to miscarriage is an emotionally charged experience requiring specialist attention. The emotional and physical loss of miscarriage is present in the subsequent pregnancy. A relationship with G-d and having a philosophical framework to life acts as a protective factor, as does sensitive medical care, and supportive human relationships.

Conclusion: Those dealing with women who are pregnant subsequent to miscarriage need to be aware of how that differs to a pregnancy where a woman has not experienced a miscarriage. In addition, respecting women’s religious beliefs and practices can ease their grief, anxiety, and overall wellbeing when pregnant subsequent to miscarriage.