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When Pregnancy Doesn’t Go to Plan

Some women find themselves thinking a lot about their previous pregnancy and birth and have unanswered questions. Speak to your community midwife as both Kettering General Hospital (KGH) NHS Foundation Trust and Northampton General Hospital (NGH) NHS Trust provide services where you can talk through your previous birth which help you to come to terms with what happened. They can also help you put a plan in place to make your experience of birth a positive one.

Miscarriage

What is a miscarriage? A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends of its own accord during the first 23 weeks.  It can feel devastating. The loss of a pregnancy can be very hard to accept and you may wonder why it happened.  You can find further information about miscarriage by clicking on this link to the NHS A-Z guidelines. The website offers information relating to symptoms, causes, diagnosis, what happens, afterwards and prevention.

If you would like to know what local support is available, please talk to your midwife.

The following organisations also offer a range of information:

  • As well offering online information, the Miscarriage Association operates a helpline.   For further information, please click here.
  • Tommy’s website is another source for information on miscarriage.  They also operate a “Tommy’s Pregnancy Line” and you can call and talk to a midwife free of charge on 0800 0147 800.  For further information please click here.

Ectopic Pregnancy

What is an ectopic pregnancy? In a normal pregnancy, an egg is fertilised in the fallopian tubes and travels to the uterus, where it grows and develops over the next several months. But in an ectopic pregnancy the fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb usually in one of the fallopian tubes. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to save the pregnancy and the foetus or fetus usually has to be removed by either using medicine or an operation. For further information relating to ectopic pregnancy symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, please click here to access the NHS A-Z website.

If you would like to know what local support is available, please talk to your midwife.

The Tommy’s website has some stories about women and families who have experienced an ectopic pregnancy as well as further information.  To access the ectopic section please click here.

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Stillbirth

What is a stillbirth? A stillbirth is when a baby dies before she or he is born at more than 24 weeks of pregnancy.  Stillbirth can happen during the pregnancy or during labour.  The loss of a baby is devastating.  This is the link to the NHS A-Z website section about “what happens if your unborn baby dies.”  The NHS website provides information on causes; what happens if your unborn baby dies; and information on how to prevent stillbirth. 

For further information about local support, please talk to your midwife.

The following organisations also offer information, support and advice:

  • Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) offer support to parents after the death of a baby.  For further information please click here.
  • You can also access further information on the Tommy’s stillbirth information and support section by clicking here.

Registering a Stillbirth

A stillbirth should be registered at your register office within 42 days of loss.  The GOV.UK website explains who can register the stillbirth and the process.  There is also a link to finding your local register office.   The website explains what documents are required for the registration.  In addition there is information about maternity pay and time off at work when pregnant women experience a stillbirth.  Please click here to access the GOV.UK website page.

Neonatal Death

What is a neonatal death? A neonatal death is the death of a baby within 4 weeks of birth. 

The Sands website offers emotional help and support for bereaved families.  They have a UK wide network of support groups; a helpline for parents and families; and an online forum and message boards to enable families to connect. Please click here for further information.

For further information about local support, please talk to your midwife or health visitor.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

What is a sudden infant death syndrome? This is the diagnosis that is made when a baby dies, without warning and no clear reason. For further information about causes and how to reduce the risk of SIDS please click here for information on the NHS A-Z website.

The Lullaby Trust offers safer sleep advice. Please click here to access the Lullaby Trust website.

Confidential bereavement support is available to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child through the Lullaby Trust.  They also have a helpline number which is 0808 802 6868.

UNICEF has produced a guide for parents called "Caring for your baby at night."

Premature & Sick Babies

Bliss is a special care baby charity that provides vital support and information relating to premature and sick babies across the UK.  Bliss offer parents support through email and a helpline. You can also visit the Bliss Netmums forum.