GRIEF AND MIDTRIMESTER FETAL LOSS

Fetal loss through miscarriage or termination of pregnancy for genetic reasons often provokes the grief of bereavement. This is not fully un derstood, and the extent of the distress is often underestimated by pr ofessionals and family alike. We have examined elements of the normal bereavement process and have found that they may occur in specific and accentuated forms in mid-trimester fetal loss. We discuss our finding s in the light of the attachment theory-a psychodynamic model for unde rstanding grief reactions.