The invisible side of pain, facilitating strategies in the perinatal grieving process: scoping review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0218e.35055

Keywords:

bereavement; perinatal loss; strategies; parents; scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Perinatal death usually occurs unexpectedly and can cause physical and psychological problems with long-lasting consequences. The process of coping with grief is fundamental, because in cases where the individual is unable to overcome the loss, permanent disturbances may occur.

Objective: To map the evidence on facilitating strategies in the perinatal grief process.

Methods: Scoping review, following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Selection of studies according to PRISMA.

Results: Six articles, published between 2018 and 2023, with qualitative and quantitative approaches, were included, and the strategies adopted by parents to overcome perinatal grief were identified: support programs for bereaved parents; strategies developed by the parents themselves; the support and strategies motivated by health professionals and the lack of support perceived by parents, both by health professionals and by society.

Conclusion: It is critical to recognize the complexity of perinatal grief and the consequences when not overcome healthily. Adopting facilitating strategies by parents is fundamental in this process, even though they can. They are often conditioned by cultural, social, and individual factors. Knowing these strategies, health professionals can inform parents and help them adopt strategies that promote a healthy grieving process.

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Published

2025-07-30

How to Cite

Costa, C., Cordeiro, M., Victória, A., Santos, A. P., & Tavares, M. (2025). The invisible side of pain, facilitating strategies in the perinatal grieving process: scoping review. Millenium - Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, 2(18e), e35055. https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0218e.35055

Issue

Section

Life and Healthcare Sciences