Last update:

   22-Mar-2023
 

Arch Hellen Med, 40(2), March-April 2023, 278-280

SHORT COMMUNICATION

Perinatal loss and bereavement

M. Papalampropoulou,1 D. Michail,2 S. Giaouri,3 D. Papoutsis4
1Department of Early Childhood Education, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Western Macedonia, Florina,
2Department of Communication and Digital Media, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Western Macedonia, Kastoria,
3Department of Primary Education, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Western Macedonia, Florina,
4Department of Midwifery, School of Healthcare Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Ptolemaida, Greece

Perinatal loss has a significant effect on the psychosynthesis of the mother. Such a loss is associated with future psychological complications and represents a key risk factor for the appearance of depressive symptoms. Even though, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 6.3 million perinatal deaths occur per year, many parents who experience a perinatal loss feel they have no right to express the feeling of loss and grief, unlike those who mourn for socially recognized deaths. The recognition and acceptance of women's perinatal loss constitutes the main stage of dealing with perinatal bereavement and, in this condition, healthcare scientists take a center stage to contribute.

Key words: Invisible grief, Perinatal bereavement, Perinatal death, Social acceptance, The right to grieve.


© Archives of Hellenic Medicine