--- title: An Overview of Pregnancy and Infant Loss date: 2026-04-13T05:00:00-04:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/an-overview-of-pregnancy-and-infant-loss" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# An Overview of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Loss in pregnancy is a common experience. This March of Dimes article discusses conditions that may result in the loss of a pregnancy or a newborn, health disparities in pregnancy loss, and helpful tips for coping with loss. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and other conditions can result in loss, and birth defects and other conditions can cause newborn death. While pregnancy loss can affect everyone, some people may be at higher risk because of factors like income, work status, environment, and racial and ethnic background. Birthing people of color experience miscarriage and stillbirths at higher rates than white birthing people. Recovering from and coping with loss is a process. It can take time for our bodies to physically recover, and we may need help coping with grief. Medical providers, social workers, grief counselors, spiritual leaders, and support groups can all play a role in supporting us through grief and loss. We can also take steps to care for ourselves, such as eating healthy, staying active, and getting sufficient rest. > If your baby died during pregnancy or in the first days of life, you and your family might need help understanding what happened. Miscarriage, stillbirth and other conditions can cause a pregnancy to end before or during birth. Newborn death can be caused by preterm birth, birth defects and other health conditions. Pregnancy and infant loss also happens more often among those groups who experience health disparities. [Read the full article ](https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/blog/health-disparities-contribute-to-pregnancy-and-infant-loss) SOURCE: March of Dimes • LAST UPDATED: October 15, 2021 ![A woman sits in an empty nursery hugging a teddy bear](data:image/png;base64,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) LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health) - [miscarriage](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/miscarriage) - [grief and grieving](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/grief-and-grieving) - [health disparities](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/health-disparities) - [support](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/support) - [healthy habits](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/healthy-habits) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Miscarriage A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends spontaneously prior to 20 weeks. ![An outline of a female body, her hand over her lower abdominal area, one tear comes down from her eye.](data:image/png;base64,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) A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends spontaneously prior to 20 weeks.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/miscarriage) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## I Figured I was Guaranteed a Smooth Pregnancy Lara shares the story of her first miscarriage. She wrote a book hoping to prepare others to be realistic about pregnancy and the possibilty of a miscarriage. ![Lara-Freidenfelds](data:image/png;base64,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) Lara shares the story of her first miscarriage. She wrote a book hoping to prepare others to be realistic about pregnancy and the possibilty of a miscarriage.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-i-figured-i-was-guaranteed-a-smooth-pregnancy) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## “I’ve got bad news for you” A woman shares her emotions and struggles after learning that one of the twins that she was pregnant with had died. ![A sad pregnant woman in front of a dark curtain](data:image/png;base64,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) A woman shares her emotions and struggles after learning that one of the twins that she was pregnant with had died.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-pregnancy-loss-ive-got-bad-news-for-you) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## I Expected to Hear the Baby’s Heartbeat Catherine shares the story of her first miscarriage, discussing her emotions at the time and other experiences of grief and loss that it triggered. ![Catherine-McKinley](data:image/png;base64,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) Catherine shares the story of her first miscarriage, discussing her emotions at the time and other experiences of grief and loss that it triggered.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-i-expected-to-hear-the-babys-heartbeat) [ResourcesRead ## Five Tips to Handle Holiday Stress Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health. ![pexels-askar-abayev-6192017](data:image/png;base64,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) Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/5-tips-to-handle-holiday-stress) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Mental Health Issues MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her. ![Marisa](data:image/png;base64,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) MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-mental-health-issues) [ResourcesRead ## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk. ![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,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) A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth) [ResourcesRead ## Potential Risk Factors for Breast Cancer What are the possible risk factors for breast cancer? Are there ways to minimize our risk of developing breast cancer? ![View in microscopic of ductal cell carcinoma, adenonocarcinoma from human breast cancer, tissue section by H and E stain. Pathology diagnosis. Medical concept. Under microscope, magnification 600X](data:image/png;base64,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) What are the possible risk factors for breast cancer? Are there ways to minimize our risk of developing breast cancer?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/potential-breast-cancer-risk-factors)