Psychodynamics of perinatal loss

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Perinatal Health
• Maternal Mental Health

Background:

• Perinatal death (miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death) is increasingly recognized as a traumatic event for parents, particularly mothers.
• Maternal grief responses include shock, disbelief, anxiety, and somatic distress, evolving through stages like denial and yearning.
• Historically, the profound psychological impact of pregnancy loss has been underestimated by medical and mental health professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of perinatal death on the psychological resolution of pregnancy.
• To evaluate the outcome of maternal bereavement by considering the meanings of perinatal loss.
• To illustrate adaptive resolution of perinatal loss through a clinical case.

Main Methods:

• Psychoanalytic interpretation of pregnancy and its associated conflicts.
• Analysis of the unique aspects of perinatal loss and its psychological implications.
• Detailed description and analysis of a clinical case demonstrating adaptive bereavement.

Main Results:

• Perinatal death triggers a complex grieving process in mothers, involving intense emotional and psychological reactions.
• The meaning attributed to the perinatal loss influences the mother's psychological resolution and recovery.
• Adaptive resolution is possible, involving the integration of the loss within the context of the pregnancy and revived psychological conflicts.

Conclusions:

• Recognizing and treating the psychological impact of perinatal death is essential for maternal well-being.
• Psychoanalytic concepts offer valuable insights into understanding maternal bereavement after pregnancy loss.
• Clinical case studies highlight pathways to adaptive resolution of perinatal grief and trauma.