Abstract

Changes to how maternity health care is delivered have happened quickly in many countries across the world in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maternity care systems have been challenged, trying to balance the needs and safety of pregnant women and their care providers. Changes to practices such as limiting the number of antenatal appointments and access to a support person may have negative effects on both mother, baby, and their family. However, new guidelines in maternity care practices developed to account for the pandemic have not necessarily considered women experiencing pregnancy after loss.

We highlight the situation in three high income countries (Australia, Ireland and USA) and point to the need to remember the unique and challenging circumstances of families experiencing pregnancy after a loss. We suggest new practices may be differing from established evidence-based guidelines and outline the potential effects of these changes.

We suggest recommendations for health care providers to bridge the gap between the necessary safety requirements due to the pandemic, the role of the health care provider, and the needs of families experiencing a pregnancy after loss.

Bereaved mothers and their families experiencing a pregnancy after loss should continue to be supported to limit unintended consequences.