[Psychosocial management of a new pregnancy after sudden infant death (SID)--results of a long-term study of 115 families].

BACKGROUND

Every subsequent pregnancy after the loss of a child due to Sudden Infant Death (SID) causes highly anxious parents. The aim of this investigation was to point out which feelings and experiences have to be considered as influencing factors for a following pregnancy--besides being afraid of a repeated loss. The overlapping fixing of our aim was to develop some proposals and recommendations for a capable accompanying during a subsequent pregnancy.

MATERIALS

The base of the evaluation were 789 consultations during long-term cares of 115 families affected by Sudden Infant Death (SID). When their children died because of SID 9 of all the mothers were pregnant again. In the families which were cared for half-a-year or longer (n = 80), 47 (58.7%) subsequent pregnancies became known. All gravidities occurred within one year after SID except two cases.

RESULTS

We found a strong exigency for information, structure and protection during the whole pregnancy. This fact can be deducted from a high potential of anxiety and fear within the parents. Furthermore, our investigation revealed considerable doubts of the mothers about their parental competence and altered, but still intensive affects of grief yet confidence and great joy as well. Besides, we also observed problematic social experiences, as e.g. hushing up of the dead child or a lacking acceptance of grief by the social environment.

CONCLUSIONS

A supporting and reliefing accompanying during a subsequent pregnancy comprises a continuous enlightenment of parents by being honest and open even in giving unpleasant and burdensome informations. It is recommended to show understanding for the exceeding anxieties of the parents, to offer them more possibilities of examinations and conversations as usually appropriate and to talk to them about their dead child and grief. Often the arrangement of contact to a parent-self-help association is the essential offer of support.