The subsequent pregnancy after stillbirth: anticipatory parenthood in the face of uncertainty

Interviews were conducted with fifteen couples who had experienced a previous neonatal death and a subsequent successful pregnancy. Discussions focused on the stresses that were unique to the subsequent pregnancy, and parental adaptation to them. Results show that parents experienced markedly increased anxiety that was difficult for them to manage. Parental coping involved vigilant exploration of possible negative outcomes, and a withdrawal from outward signs of investment in the pregnancy. This did not appear to impair adaptation to parenthood, however, although anxiety regarding the child's health continued for several months after delivery. Implications of these findings for clinicians are discussed.