Experiences of Pregnancy Loss in Low- and Low-Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-synthesis

Abstract

Pregnancy loss is an unexpected pregnancy outcome faced by parents around the world. The grieving process is complex and influenced by the type of care and support received. It has been estimated that approximately ninety-eight per cent of stillbirths occur in low-income countries. Despite this high prevalence, limited literature that addresses pregnancy loss in these countries exists. This study aimed to explore experiences of pregnancy loss in low- and low-middle-income countries. Employing a meta-synthesis design, 18 studies from 15 countries comprising 1152 participants who had experienced either a miscarriage or stillbirth were synthesised using a meta-aggregative approach. The meta-synthesis resulted in three findings that explored how parents experience and manage their grief after pregnancy loss, the explanations used to make sense of pregnancy loss, and the experiences of care and support following pregnancy loss. The results have implications for pregnant women living in low- and low-middle-income countries and women of reproductive age from these countries who may have re-located. Pregnant women from low- and low-middle-income countries seeking care in Australia may continue to be impacted by cultural beliefs. Therefore, Australian healthcare professionals should have knowledge about how cultural beliefs influence women’s health behaviours.