Miscarriage: preparing SHOs for their role in hospital care

Miscarriage is viewed in the health care system as a minor physical event in contrast to the major personal and emotional significance it can have for many women. SHOs have an important role in caring for miscarrying women for which they receive little preparation. Drawing on the findings from a larger study of pregnancy loss this article discusses the issues for SHOs in caring for women who miscarry. There is tension between the demands of the health care system, the SHO's attitudes and skills and the needs of many women. It is suggested that SHOs would be helped when they take up a gynaecological post by the provision of information about women's needs. Broadly based discussion should include topics such as the system of care, explaining the cause of a miscarriage, disposal policy and talking about the remains of the pregnancy.