Sadly, sometimes pregnancy can end unexpectedly with a miscarriage or the foetus may not be able to develop due to an ectopic pregnancy. In some pregnancies, the baby dies before it's born (stillbirth) or soon after (neonatal death). Losing a baby in this way is a huge shock. We’re so sorry to hear of any parent or family that has experienced pregnancy or baby loss – whether you have been bereaved recently or decades ago.
If your pregnancy ends this way, you’ll need information and support. Talk to the people close to you about how you feel, to your midwife, doctor or health visitor about what has happened and why. Sometimes it’s easier to speak to someone you don’t know about how you’re feeling. You can find a list of organisations that offer support to families that have experienced miscarriage, still birth or death of their baby at any time.
If your baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly this is called a sudden infant death (SIDs). The Lullaby Trust offers support at this deeply distressing time. Petals is an organisation that provides a free, counselling service to support women, men and couples through the devastation of baby loss.
Having another baby after suffering baby loss can be a very anxious time. The Health Visiting Team offers support to families before and after the birth of their next baby with the Care of Next Infant (CONI) programme.
Useful resources
- Find support that’s right for you from the Baby Loss Awareness Alliance
- Bereavement support when a baby or young child dies suddenly and unexpectedly from The Lullaby Trust.