Pregnancy loss is sadly a common reality for many women and families. The section contains information on:
- pregnancy loss
- miscarriages
- stillbirths
- resources to support you if you experience any of these
What is pregnancy loss?
Pregnancy loss can mean a miscarriage or a stillbirth. In the United States:
- “Miscarriage” is typically defined as a pregnancy that ends before 20 weeks.
- “Stillbirth” is typically defined as a pregnancy that ends after 20 weeks. It is sometimes further classified as the following:
- early (loss of a fetus between 20-27 weeks)
- late (loss of a fetus between 28-36 weeks)
- term (loss of a fetus at 37 or more weeks)
How common is a miscarriage or stillbirth?
Some research suggests that as many as 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage (March of Dimes, 2023). Approximately 1 in 175 pregnancies end in stillbirth, affecting 21,000 pregnancies annually (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).
How does pregnancy loss affect families?
Pregnancy loss can significantly impact families’ mental and physical health. It can also affect their relationships. Research suggests that even after the birth of a healthy child, some parents who have experienced pregnancy loss continue to grieve for years. Pregnancy loss may affect future pregnancies and the ability of a parent to care for their other children. Pregnancy loss may lead to the development of mental health issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders).
I or someone I know experienced a pregnancy loss. What do I do?
You are not alone. If you or someone you love has experienced a pregnancy loss, visit the VDH Pregnancy Loss Initiative webpage to learn more about available resources.