PSI Perinatal Loss and Grief

Question 1

What is the clinical term for the death of a fetus at 20 weeks of gestation or later?

Accepted Answer

Stillbirth

Answer

Stillbirth is defined as fetal death occurring at 20 weeks of gestation or later, distinguishing it from earlier pregnancy losses called miscarriages.

Question 2

Which mental health condition is significantly elevated in mothers following perinatal loss compared to the general obstetric population?

Accepted Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Answer

PTSD rates are substantially higher in women who experience perinatal loss due to the traumatic nature of the event.

Question 3

According to PSI principles, what is the key first step when supporting a bereaved parent after perinatal loss?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the loss and validate the parent's grief experience

Answer

PSI emphasizes acknowledgment and validation of the loss as foundational to effective perinatal bereavement support.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes 'complicated grief' in the context of perinatal loss?

Accepted Answer

Grief that persists beyond expected timeframes and significantly impairs daily functioning

Answer

Complicated grief (also called prolonged grief disorder) is characterized by grief lasting beyond typical timeframes and causing significant functional impairment.

Question 5

A woman who experienced a stillbirth is now in a subsequent pregnancy. What mental health concern presents the greatest elevated risk during this pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Prenatal anxiety and PTSD symptoms

Answer

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.

PSI - Postpartum Support International Practice Test

PSI - Postpartum Support International Practice Test

PSI Perinatal Loss and Grief