Bereaved parents' experiences of physical care needs during second trimester miscarriage

Background Second trimester miscarriage is often under reported and lacks recognition in both clinical practice and the literature. Second trimester miscarriage is defined as pregnancy loss between 12 and 24 weeks gestation. A... [ view full abstract ]

Background
Second trimester miscarriage is often under reported and lacks recognition in both clinical practice and the literature. Second trimester miscarriage is defined as pregnancy loss between 12 and 24 weeks gestation. A recent study conducted in a large maternity hospital found the rate of second trimester miscarriage to be 0.8% of all births. Little is known about bereaved parent’s experiences of hospital care during a second trimester miscarriage in Ireland.
Aim and objectives
The aim of the study was to explore parent’s experiences of hospital care during a second trimester miscarriage. This oral presentation will present on some of the findings from this study in relation to the parents’ experiences of physical care needs.
Methods
A focused ethnographic design was used to complete this study. A series of semi-structured interviews were completed with 14 bereaved parents (9 mothers and 5 fathers) in a variety of locations. The data was analysed using thematic network data analysis. Ethical approval was granted by both the Hospital and University Ethics Committees.
Findings
Physical Care Needs describes parents’ experiences during a second trimester miscarriage under the themes of hospital facilities and medical care. Parents highlighted their preference to be separate from other pregnant women and babies and identified areas for improvement for hospital facilities. The themes emerging from the parents’ experiences of medical care following their loss include medical treatments, pain relief, going home to prepare for the birth, length of hospital stay and follow-up.
Conclusion and implications
Parents experiencing second trimester miscarriage prefer to be cared for in single rooms and away from other pregnant women where possible. Parents experiences of medical care was overall positive, parents however highlighted the importance of the need for an individualised approach to medical care particularly in relation to pain relief and length of hospital stay.