Psychological Distress Following Surgical Management of Early Pregnancy Loss Detected at Initial Ultrasound Scanning: A Trauma Perspective and Research Portfolio

The last decade has seen increasing research interest into psychological distress following Early Pregnancy Loss (EPL). In theoretical terms, EPL was initially viewed as a loss experience, which led on to depressive symptomatology. More recent research has focused on the occurrence of anxiety symptoms postmiscarriage and has suggested that EPL should be conceptualised from the perspective of a traumatic experience for many women. This study assessed the prevalence of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), more general post traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety and depression, soon after experiencing an EPL. Follow-up data was also collected on all the above measures except for ASD. It was hypothesised that warning signs of an EPL would result in less psychological distress three weeks after its detection. Any resulting psychopathology was expected to decrease over time. The presence of warning signs was not found to determine levels of psychological distress. It transpired that the actual experience of EPL was stressful for many women, regardless of warning signs of a pregnancy complication. Psychopathology subsided over time with the exception of anxiety which remained clinically signficant. Evidence of acute stress and persistent anxiety supported recent research and highlighted a need for routine follow-up care