Lecture 10.2 - Perinatal Loss

Question 1

what is perinatal loss?

Answer 1

The unwanted end of a pregnancy during 40 weeks GA, or during the first 28 days of life

Question 2

What is abortion?

Answer 2

The spontaneous or therapeutic loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks GA and weighing less than 500 grams

Question 3

What is a stillbirth?

Answer 3

Fetal death after 20 weeks and weighing over 500 grams

Question 4

What is infant death?

Answer 4

Death of a child over 28 days of life

Question 5

What are the four phases of grief response?

Answer 5

Shock + numbness (denial)
Searching and yearning (Loneliness, guilt, anger)
Disorientation (Full awareness, social withdrawal, impaired memory/organization)
Reorganization + resolution

Note: Mourning does not have a normal progression and is experienced in many ways. Influenced by culture, gender, past experience

Question 6

What nursing care can be given to grieving families?

Answer 6

Help the family to actualize the loss

Help with decision making

Help acknowledge and express feelings

Normalize grief process and facilitate positive coping

Meet physical needs for postpartum mother

Create memories for parents + postmortem care

Help with cultural, spiritual needs. Provide sensitive care at and after discharge.