Pregnancy loss and HG

Pregnancy loss after HG can feel like a double dose of cruelty; to suffer so much and yet not have a baby to bring home afterwards.

Unfortunately, HG is associated with a slightly higher risk of some types of pregnancy loss and early delivery, so it’s something many of us understand. 

Many feel HG adds to the isolation of pregnancy loss because loved ones don’t understand what you have been through. It can be hard to make sense of your feelings, which can conflict with each other and also feel overwhelming at times. 

It’s common to experience some or all of the following, no matter when or how your pregnancy loss happened: 

• Relief that at least HG is over, and then guilty for feeling relief. 
• You may also feel guilty for taking medication, even if you know it was the best option for you and even though it is not associated with pregnancy loss. 
• Disbelief, shock, and numbness
• Disappointment and grief
• Feelings of failure, like you are “bad at pregnancy” 
• Fear of getting HG again in another pregnancy and/or not being able to have the family you planned for
• Eagerness to try again quickly and also anxiety about trying again
• Anger, both at the pregnancy ending, and if you feel like you weren’t supported by your medical team and/or loved ones
• Jealousy of others who have healthy pregnancies and get to bring their babies home.

What you can do? 

Recognise that you have suffered a loss on top of the difficult experience of HG and it may take time to feel like yourself again (and to feel ready to try again, if you want to). Lean on your partner, family and friends - both for emotional support and any practical support you need.

You are welcome to join our private online group to connect with other HG patients.  

If you are struggling, ask your GP for help - they can advise on medical support and they can also refer you to the mental health team at your maternity hospital. Check out the links below for peer support. Private talking therapy can also be an option - it is often covered by health insurance. You can ask if the therapist is experienced in perinatal mental health and pregnancy loss. 

Further resources

• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Centre: this is a directory of information and services for patients and healthcare providers in Ireland. It contains links to clinical practice guidelines, patient information sheets, and a list of voluntary groups offering support with different kinds of pregnancy loss.
• The Miscarriage Association of Ireland has information, a helpline, and both online and in-person support groups. 
• Leanbh mo Chroí (child of my heart in Irish) is a support group for those who have ended a pregnancy because of a poor diagnosis, either for the foetus or the pregnant person. 
• Pregnancy Sickness Support page on pregnancy loss including miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and neonatal death

Thanks to our friends at Pregnancy Sickness Support, from whom we have adapted some of the above content.