Depression and Anxiety Following Early Pregnancy Loss: Recommendations for Primary Care Providers

Early pregnancy loss is a shocking and traumatic event for women and their families. Miscarriage usually induces an intense period of emotional distress. This reaction tends to improve over the following several months, but some residual psychological concerns remain. It is important to screen for depression and anxiety in patients following a miscarriage. Most women in this circumstance do become pregnant again, yet mood disturbances can still coexist. When women are having difficulties at conception, worries may be magnified. Most women and physicians see post-miscarriage intervention as desired, and it is important to provide appropriate treatment. Management of depressive and anxiety symptoms after pregnancy loss can benefit future patient well-being.