Grief and Psychological Symptoms of Women and Men at 1–12 months After Pregnancy Loss

Abstract

The study investigated the grief and psychological symptoms of spouses (204 women, 204 men) experienced pregnancy loss. The mean Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) score was 89.73, the mean Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) score was 51.27. Almost half of the spouses had intense grief and one-third experienced psychological symptoms above the thresholds for the PGS and BSI. The grief intensity was similar in spouses, while psychological symptoms were more severe in women than men. The time elapsed after pregnancy loss did not significantly affect grief, but the severity of psychological symptoms decreased as time progressed. Gestational week and number of pregnancy losses did not affect grief, abortion increased grief intensity and psychological symptoms. Self-blame, having a child after a loss, and losing a loved one after a pregnancy loss increased PGS and BSI scores. Psychological support should be provided to men and women after pregnancy losses to prevent prolonged, intense grief.