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Interconceptional counseling after perinatal and infant loss
Cheryl Wallerstedt1, Margaret Lilley, Kathleen Baldwin
1University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, Department of OB/GYN, Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, Albuquerque 87131-5256, USA. Cwallerstedt@salud.unm.edu
Summary
Preconceptional health promotion and interconceptional counseling are vital for parents experiencing perinatal loss. This support can improve future pregnancy outcomes and address emotional needs after loss.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Preconceptional health promotion is standard for improving perinatal outcomes.
- Previous perinatal loss significantly impacts subsequent pregnancies and parental well-being.
- A need exists for a theoretical framework guiding interconceptional counseling after perinatal loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of interconceptional counseling for parents with prior perinatal loss.
- To propose the development of a theoretical framework for this counseling.
- To outline the benefits of interconceptional counseling in managing subsequent pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on preconceptional health and perinatal loss.
- Theoretical analysis of counseling needs post-perinatal loss.
- Synthesis of existing frameworks for application to interconceptional care.
Main Results:
- Interconceptional counseling offers crucial information for better outcomes.
- Counseling addresses parental fears, anxieties, and genetic risks.
- It facilitates grieving and explores attachment and parenting concerns.
Conclusions:
- Interconceptional counseling is essential for parents navigating subsequent pregnancies after perinatal loss.
- A structured theoretical framework is needed to optimize this support.
- Effective counseling can mitigate long-term effects and improve family well-being.