Grief in Multifetal Death

Abstract

The grief process is examined within the framework of multifetal pregnancy in a variety of demise situations. The case studies examined were obtained from approximately 120 lettere and interviews with families predominantly of higher order multiple births, who have experienced either partial or total loss in their pregnancy or afterwards. Objective and subjective factors were addressed. Results indicate the steps of the grief response are worked through in the same order as a singleton demise, but differ in intensity, duration, and frequency, depending on the individual circumstances, type of loss, gestational age, and the parents' backgrounds, expectations and beliefs. A unique feature discovered is that the entire grieving process, from shock through acceptance, appears to be completely experienced twice, with a large percentage of parents experiencing all of the stages three or more times. The general conclusion of the study is that the grieving pattern in multifetal death indeed follows a cycle and pattern of its own and requires special considerations.