"I wouldn't have minded a wee one running about": miscarriage and the family

A sample of 27 women who had miscarried during the first trimester of pregnancy were interviewed and followed up over a 6 month period. The affective and practical support which they received from within their family was documented. The husband/partner and mother were found to be the main sources of support; the presence of young children was viewed positively, and the role of other family members was rather variable. Family support following miscarriage, while greatly appreciated, was found to be inadequate on a number of different counts.