Understanding miscarriage and stillbirth: support after pregnancy and baby loss

Miscarriage and stillbirth are more common than many people realise, but for families experiencing pregnancy or baby loss, grief can be profound and lifelong.

10 September 2026
By Natalie Benn
The awareness ribbon miscarriage, pregnancy loss, and infant loss for

Pregnancy is often a time filled with hopes, plans and excitement about the future. For many parents, the bond with their baby begins long before birth, making the loss of a pregnancy or baby an incredibly painful and life-changing experience.

Every person’s experience is unique. Grief is deeply personal, and there is no right or wrong way to feel or a set timeline for healing.

Compassionate care, understanding from family and friends, and access to appropriate support services can make an important difference during and after pregnancy loss. This article explains the differences between miscarriage and stillbirth, outlines common causes and support options, and highlights where families can find help.

What is a miscarriage?

A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur during the first trimester, which is the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Miscarriage can happen for many different reasons, and in many cases, the exact cause is never known. Most importantly, miscarriage is usually not caused by anything a person has done or failed to do.

Many miscarriages occur because the pregnancy is not developing as expected. This is often due to chromosomal differences that happen by chance and prevent the pregnancy from continuing normally.

Some factors can increase the chance of miscarriage, including certain health conditions, smoking, and increasing maternal age. However, having one or more of these factors does not mean that a miscarriage will occur.

If you have questions about your individual circumstances, speak with your doctor, midwife or obstetrician.

It is important to know that miscarriage is usually not your fault. Most miscarriages happen for reasons beyond anyone's control and, in most cases, could not have been prevented.

What is stillbirth?

Stillbirth is the death of a baby before or during birth from 20 weeks of pregnancy. Stillbirth can occur for many different reasons, including problems with the placenta, complications during pregnancy or birth, infection, congenital abnormalities, or certain health conditions. In some cases, even after thorough investigations, no cause is found.

Every family’s experience is different. Following a stillbirth, healthcare professionals may offer investigations to help understand what happened and discuss any implications for future pregnancies.

Some parents may feel anxious about future pregnancies after experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth. Your healthcare team can provide advice, support and additional care to help you feel supported in a future pregnancy.

Grieving after pregnancy or baby loss

The loss of a pregnancy or baby can be devastating, regardless of how far the pregnancy has progressed. Parents and families may experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, shock, anger, guilt, anxiety, numbness or disbelief. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone experiences loss differently.

Partners, grandparents, siblings and other family members can also be deeply affected. People often grieve in different ways and at different times. Partners may experience significant grief themselves while also supporting their loved one through the loss.

Many families find comfort in talking with trusted friends, family members, healthcare professionals, support groups or counsellors.

Remembering your baby

For some parents, acknowledging their baby and creating memories can be an important part of grieving. Depending on the circumstances, this may include spending time with their baby, taking photographs, collecting keepsakes, naming their baby, or participating in cultural, spiritual or family rituals that are meaningful to them.

Organisations such as Heartfelt provide free professional photography services to eligible families who have experienced stillbirth, helping families create lasting memories.

Finding support after miscarriage or stillbirth

It is important for parents and families experiencing pregnancy loss to know they do not have to navigate grief alone.

Following a miscarriage or stillbirth, midwives, doctors and other members of the healthcare team can provide information, practical care and emotional support. Depending on individual needs, this may include referrals to counselling, social work, pastoral care, bereavement services or other specialist support.

Many people also find support through family, friends, peer support groups and organisations that specialise in pregnancy and baby loss. Connecting with others who have had a similar experience can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide comfort during a difficult time.

Pregnancy loss support resources

A range of organisations across Australia provide information, counselling, peer support and bereavement services for individuals and families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and baby loss.

If you are struggling to cope, experiencing significant distress, or are concerned about your mental health following pregnancy or baby loss, speak with your GP, midwife or healthcare professional.

Additional support, counselling, bereavement and mental health services are available, and seeking help is an important part of caring for yourself following pregnancy or baby loss.