A British research study reveals women take miscarriage hard for many years following the event. Despite the fact that many couples try for another pregnancy soon after miscarriage and stillbirth, with success in many cases, the mental effects of losing a child last for many years. Women are particularly affected by the mental anguish of losing a child. 

The British study involved more than 13,000 women. Women were asked to reveal whether or not they had miscarried or suffered a stillbirth pregnancy in the past. They were also asked to report how many instances they had suffered. All women in the study were pregnant at the time of questioning. 

At the 18th and 32nd week of gestation, women reported any feelings of depression or anxiety. The study continued until 33 months after birth with questionnaires about depression and anxiety being given at eight weeks, eight months, 21 months and 33 months post partum. 

Most of the women in the study had never experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth. About 2,800 women reported one or more miscarriage and 108 women had suffered stillbirth pregnancies. Only three women in the study had suffered more than one stillbirth. 

Women suffering from miscarriage or stillbirth in previous pregnancies were more likely to have depression and anxiety during the current pregnancy, according to the research study. 

More than 50% of women suffering from a miscarriage have mental side effects soon after the event. Over the next year, the effect is less pronounced with only 11% of women reporting depression or anxiety about the event at one year. 

Source: Medical News Today. Sy Kraft, B.A. 3 March, 2011.

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