The psychological impact of recurrent miscarriage, and the role of counselling at a pre-pregnancy counselling clinic

The current study investigates the psychological impact of recurrent miscarriage, and ways in which intervention at a pre-pregnancy counselling clinic (PPCC) influences psychological adaptation. Thirty-seven women who had been referred to the PPCC following two or more miscarriages completed questionnaires at three time points. This sample was found to have particularly high levels of anxiety, as well as intrusive and avoidant distress (as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Impact of Event Scale). It was hypothesised that levels of psychological distress would remain constant over the baseline period, and then decrease significantly following intervention at the PPCC. Although there was a reduction in scores over time, only the pattern of change for Impact of Event Scale avoidance provided support for this hypothesis. There was a reduction in both avoidance coping and active coping strategies over time, but these changes could not be attributed to the intervention. No evidence was found to support the hypothesis that those given a medical explanation following intervention would show a greater reduction in levels of psychological distress than those who were not given such an explanation. The implications of these findings are discussed, outlining limitations of the study and areas for future research.