Health staff's language 'can worsen pregnancy loss grief', study finds
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The language used to describe loss in pregnancy by health staff can worsen the grief and trauma being experienced by parents, a new study has found.
An estimated 14,000 women experience miscarriage in Ireland every year, although as in many countries, it is a rarely discussed topic.
This study, led by University College London, found participants had difficulty in understanding the language used around their care in many cases.
Participants included parents who had experienced pregnancy loss and health staff.
Focus groups said phrases such as ‘blighted ovum’, ‘empty sac’, or ‘chemical pregnancy’ are linked with strong negative emotions.
They felt, in some cases, these words implied that they had failed, or their baby never existed.
“Words such as ‘abortion’, ‘feticide’ and 'termination’ were described by participants as very challenging and distressing when used to provide medical information about procedures involved in the loss of a much-wanted baby,” the study found.
Other women said words such as ‘miscarriage’ and ‘incompetent cervix’ added to feelings of guilt and self-blame.
Language can have “a significant impact” on how well a woman recovers following pregnancy loss, the study concluded.
The researchers also noted some changes since a similar study done in 2005, including a greater use of ‘reflective listening’ which shows parents they are being heard and understood.
Dr Beth Malory said: “These findings really show just how important language is in pregnancy loss care, and the testimony of those who took part in the study illustrates the long-term impact it can have on someone experiencing pregnancy loss.”
They developed four recommendations:
- Healthcare staff are asked to be aware language matters;
- The researchers said: "the words you use can deeply affect someone's experience of pregnancy loss, so use the same language they do”.
- They were advised “if in doubt, ask” how women want staff to talk or write about their experience and the baby.
- Staff should use framing strategies, the study advised. It said: “once you know how someone sees their loss and their baby, consider using framing strategies, e.g. talking around a clinical report in more gentle terms, to reduce the impact of difficult language”.
- The last recommendation is to respect patients’ language preferences.
More information is available from the University College London website.