It is unimaginable to even think that an expectant mother will experience an unsuccessful pregnancy. Yet sadly a fifth of all pregnancies end in miscarriage and the loss and grief felt after the miscarriage can be devastating. 

When a woman experiences a miscarriage, the risk for depression is great. This risk is increased if she has a history of  diagnosed  clinical depression, if she lacks a supportive enviornment, and if there are other factors adding to the stress.



Women who suffer through the loss of a pregnancy  (just like any grieving parent) know better than anyone how well-meaning friends and family can unintentionally say all the wrong things: "It was meant to be." "It was God's will." "It's better that it happened early." "You can always get pregnant again." "Thank goodness you have your health." and so on. Needless to say, this doesn't help.

Unfortunately, women are often left to suffer alone, because most friends and family are eager for her rapid return to a previous level of functioning, perhaps dismissing the depth of her pain. This only makes it worse, leaving the mother feeling isolated and mis understood. If this lasts too long these elements can also cause depression to develop.