Pregnancy Loss Research Group

Pregnancy Loss Research Group

We lead national research to better understand pregnancy loss experiences and impacts, and the development of resources and evidence-based advice and interventions, to improve health care (quality) and health and social outcomes for women, babies and their families.

Spotlight on "Why my baby died"

Why my baby died: A graphic narrative

We recently curated the production of a graphic narrative in collaboration with Amy Lauren, an illustrator based in Dublin, to show bereaved parents’ views and experiences of hospital processes to find out why their baby died. The project was funded through an Irish Hospice Foundation Seed Grant, with the support of the Creative Ireland Programme.

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The difference our work makes

Read our case study: Informing national clinical guidelines in pregnancy loss

The updated guidelines on different aspects of pregnancy loss – and the first national guideline on recurrent miscarriage – are an important step in standardising and enhancing services nationally.

Professor Keelin O'Donoghue

Clinical Lead for Guideline Development (Maternity and Gynaecology), NWIHP, and Lead, Pregnancy Loss Research Group

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Pregnancy loss supports

About our website

Through our website, we aim to share pregnancy loss research with a wide range of people, including researchers, health and social care professionals, people who have experienced pregnancy loss, policy-makers and many more. There are organisations and initiatives across Ireland, and beyond, which provide support services around different aspects and types of pregnancy loss. We include details of these on this website for your information.

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News and Media

21 Sep 2023

Pregnancy loss research showcased at Futures Research Conference at UCC

Members of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group attended and presented at the UCC College of Medicine and Health (CoMH) Futures Research Conference on 21 September.

Pictured at the Royal College of Pathologists on 06 September 2023, Caroline Joyce with Professor Mike Osborn, President. Photos: Karl Attard

18 Sep 2023

Caroline Joyce receives Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath)

Congratulations to Caroline Joyce who recently obtained Fellowship (by examination) of the Royal College of Pathologists London.

Pictured at the Glucksman Gallery, UCC, L-R: Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, Professor John O’Halloran (President, UCC), and Marita Hennessy PhD. Photo: Gerard McCarthy Photography

11 Sep 2023

Marita Hennessy awarded IRC Postdoctoral Fellowship to develop psychosocial intervention for staff in maternity hospitals/units in Ireland

Congratulations to Marita Hennessy PhD who was recently awarded a Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship by the Irish Research Council (IRC). During her two-year fellowship, Marita will develop and pilot test a psychosocial intervention for staff in maternity hospitals/units in Ireland under the mentorship of Professor Keelin O’Donoghue.

22 Aug 2023

Development of the TEARDROP Pin

The TEARDROP has become the recognised symbol of pregnancy loss at Cork University Maternity Hospital. Initially designed in 2009 as a communication tool for multidisciplinary staff to alert colleagues when a pregnancy loss had occurred, the TEARDROP has evolved from a discreet alert symbol to one which promotes excellence in perinatal bereavement care.

Acknowledgement

This website was developed through the support of an Irish Research Council New Foundations Award, with the Irish Hospice Foundation as civic society partner.

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