Perinatal Loss and Grief Flashcards
7 cards from real PSI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Perinatal Loss and Grief flashcards as text
What is the clinical term for the death of a fetus at 20 weeks of gestation or later?
Answer: Stillbirth
Stillbirth is defined as fetal death occurring at 20 weeks of gestation or later, distinguishing it from earlier pregnancy losses called miscarriages.
Which mental health condition is significantly elevated in mothers following perinatal loss compared to the general obstetric population?
Answer: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD rates are substantially higher in women who experience perinatal loss due to the traumatic nature of the event.
According to PSI principles, what is the key first step when supporting a bereaved parent after perinatal loss?
Answer: Acknowledge the loss and validate the parent's grief experience
PSI emphasizes acknowledgment and validation of the loss as foundational to effective perinatal bereavement support.
Which of the following best describes 'complicated grief' in the context of perinatal loss?
Answer: Grief that persists beyond expected timeframes and significantly impairs daily functioning
Complicated grief (also called prolonged grief disorder) is characterized by grief lasting beyond typical timeframes and causing significant functional impairment.
A woman who experienced a stillbirth is now in a subsequent pregnancy. What mental health concern presents the greatest elevated risk during this pregnancy?
Answer: Prenatal anxiety and PTSD symptoms
Women with a prior perinatal loss face significantly elevated risk of prenatal anxiety and PTSD symptoms during subsequent pregnancies due to the prior traumatic experience.
What is 'disenfranchised grief' as it applies to perinatal loss?
Answer: Grief that is not socially recognized or validated by others
Disenfranchised grief refers to grief that others do not acknowledge or consider socially legitimate, which commonly occurs with early miscarriage, infertility, and pregnancy loss.
Which support approach does PSI recommend for parents experiencing grief and trauma related to a NICU stay?
Answer: Connecting families with peer support from others who have had NICU experiences
PSI's peer support model recommends connecting NICU families with others who have shared similar experiences as a key component of addressing NICU-related grief.