When hope is broken: A qualitative study of women's quality of life after late miscarriage or foetal loss.

Résumé

BACKGROUND: Late miscarriage and foetal loss are global health issues with enduring biopsychosocial consequences. Despite growing recognition, the long-term impact on women's quality of life remains underexplored.OBJECTIVE: To explore how late miscarriage and foetal loss affect women's quality of life, focusing on psychological, physical, social, and existential consequences, and to evaluate whether current healthcare support meets women's needs.METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with six women who had experienced late miscarriage or foetal loss. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation within a hermeneutic phenomenological framework.FINDINGS: Five themes captured the women's experiences: (1) Mental and physical consequences, including PTSD, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disruption; (2) Social relationships and isolation, with loss of friendships and experiences of stigma but also moments of profound support; (3) The healthcare system's role, where empathic midwives and peer groups were valued but care was often fragmented and distressing; (4) Existential reflections and rituals, which helped informants honour their children and integrate the loss; and (5) Everyday life under strain, with disrupted daily routines and activity balance, yet some women describing personal growth over time. Across themes, informants emphasised the enduring nature of grief and the insufficiency of current support.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Late miscarriage and foetal loss have far-reaching effects on women's mental health, social connections, daily functioning, and sense of identity. Findings highlight the need for holistic, sustained, and flexible bereavement support that extends beyond the immediate postpartum period, addresses psychological and practical needs, and incorporates rituals and meaning making. Such approaches may reduce isolation, strengthen belonging, and promote long-term recovery and wellbeing.