Reactions of Women to Perinatal Death

Summary Forty women who had just lost babies in the perinatal period showed emotional and physical reactions similar to those seen following the death of a loved person. The needs of these bereaved women, the effect of bereavement on mental and physical health, and the importance of mourning are discussed. Although doctors treated the women's physical symptoms and prescribed sedatives liberally, in about half the cases they avoided discussing the death of the baby. These women need a sympathetic listener and his reassuring explanations to remove misconceptions and guilt, and to provide confidence for the future.