Emotions Experienced After a Spontaneous Abortion

The purpose of this literature review was to determine what emotions are experienced and what support is available after the death of a nonviable fetus by both the patient and their significant other. Methods: Articles were found by searching the CINAHL and ProQuest Psychology Journal databases. Key terms used for searching included miscarriage, and spontaneous abortion collaborated with grief, emotions, support, and nursing support. Our findings were that most women and their significant other experience some type of grief reaction after losing a fetus. Studies indicated that a follow up appointment maybe beneficial to the patient and their significant other after they have been discharged from an inpatient unit. Grief is variable from patient to patient but the majority of evidence suggests that both males and females who have experienced a spontaneous abortion experience grief. Further research is needed to determine if follow up appointments, support groups, or other support services would benefit the majority of patients