Strategies for Addressing Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Virtual Symposium)-02.1-Hanson-Recurrent_Pregnancy

02.1-Hanson-Recurrent_Pregnancy_Loss

Pdf Summary

Megan Hanson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Association (RPLA), shares her personal journey with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), highlighting the emotional and medical challenges faced by many women. In 2015, following multiple losses, she encountered common but often unhelpful responses such as, “this is very common,” or “try again,” with no recommended testing or grief support initially provided. Research cited shows significant psychological impacts on women after pregnancy loss, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, persisting up to nine months later.<br /><br />Megan’s experience reflects typical care gaps: delayed testing, minimal emotional support, and recommendations to attempt pregnancy again without thorough evaluation. Her timeline shows progression from natural pregnancies and infertility struggles through IVF attempts, eventually leading to successful births via gestational surrogacy in 2021 and a preterm birth in 2023 at age 40. She notes that earlier intervention—improved diagnostics, miscarriage tissue testing, and mental health support—could have mitigated what she describes as “snowballing trauma” characterized by feelings of isolation, invisibility, uncertainty, and loss of control.<br /><br />Common themes for patients with RPL emphasize that every miscarriage matters and impact all life aspects. Hanson advocates for compassionate care approaches, including recognizing that exams or ultrasounds can trigger miscarriage memories, providing prompt and honest communication, maintaining care continuity, and accommodating emotional needs such as additional scans. She encourages building strong support systems through family, friends, therapists, or support groups.<br /><br />Her message stresses the critical need for improved medical protocols and empathetic mental health support for women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss to break cycles of trauma and isolation, ensuring care that acknowledges the profound impact of every pregnancy. Contact: megan@rplassociation.org

Keywords

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

RPL

Megan Hanson

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Association

Emotional Support

Medical Challenges

Gestational Surrogacy

Miscarriage Trauma

Mental Health

Pregnancy Loss Care