A narrative inquiry into early pregnancy loss, subsequent pregnancy and maternal attachment

Early pregnancy loss is a multi-layered phenomenon with profound physical, emotional and psychological implications. Existing research has consistently recognised that it can lead to psychological sequelae in a significant proportion of women, affecting many areas of their lives and having broader consequences for the whole family. Despite its frequency it remains a stigmatised and disenfranchised experience, shrouded in a culture of silence. The lack of public awareness and recognition surrounding this loss, often prevents women from speaking up and seeking help.

This study explored the complexity of women’s experiences of an initial early pregnancy loss, followed by a subsequent pregnancy and the psychological impact of such loss on maternal attachment. Adopting a narrative inquiry approach, four women were invited to tell their stories across two individual interviews and a focus group interview. The findings revealed several areas of common themes: feeling states, a unique form of bereavement, psychological sequalae of pregnancy loss, inadequate care and lack of follow-up support. The epistemic injustice the women endured emerged powerfully throughout their narratives. Without continuous professional support and follow-up care, joy in a subsequent pregnancy may be compromised and attachment to the subsequent child may be affected.

This research highlights the importance of counselling psychologists and other allied professionals developing a more nuanced understanding of the impact of early pregnancy loss and subsequent maternal attachment on the mother through specialist training in perinatal mental health. Implications for clinical practice, training and support provision are discussed.