The Psychological Consequences of Perinatal Loss among Women
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Date
2024-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Perinatal losses have significant, life-changing events on women resulting in huge psychological
consequences that can greatly impact them in many ways. This phenomenological study explores
the psychological consequences of perinatal loss among women. Unstructured in-depth
interviews were conducted with 8 women who are members of Ye-Enatoch Weg Facebook group
and live in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Being guided by a phenomenological thematic analysis
methodology, the study identified two key themes on the lived experiences of the participants on
perinatal loss. Participants expressed feelings of shock, confusion, disbelief, pain and searching
for answers as immediate reaction to their perinatal loss experiences. They also expressed
struggling with guilt & blame, disenfranchised grief, and relationship difficulties as a delayed
reaction to their experience of perinatal loss. The implications for improved counseling &
support services, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, incorporating spiritual practices in the
counseling practice, education and awareness for healthcare providers & professionals are well
discussed in this research. The finding also underscored the need for counseling and emphatic
individualized care to support women in the healing process of copying the psychological
consequences of perinatal loss.