Miscarriage as a Multidimensional Experience: A Thematic Analysis of the Psychological, Social, and Coping Journey of Pregnancy Loss

Abstract

Miscarriage is a profound yet often silenced reproductive loss that affects women beyond its biological dimensions. This study explores miscarriage as a multidimensional experience by examining women’s psychological, social, and coping journeys. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who had experienced miscarriage. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, allowing rich, lived experiences to emerge directly from participants’ narratives. Braun and Clark (2006) approach was used to analyze the themes. Six major themes were identified: (1) Clinical and Structural Dimensions of Miscarriage, highlighting medical uncertainty, clinical decision-making, and gaps in care; (2) Lived Experience and Embodied Trauma, capturing physical pain, visual memories, and bodily loss; (3) Psychological and Emotional Turbulence, marked by shock, denial, grief, guilt, and intrusive recollections; (4) Social and Cultural Construction of Miscarriage, reflecting blame, stigma, and gendered expectations placed on women; (5) Family Bonds and Relationship Transformation, illustrating shifts in spousal support, isolation, and altered family dynamics; and (6) Pathway to Coping and Recovery, encompassing faith, self-counseling, distraction, routine rebuilding, and social support. The findings address a critical research gap by foregrounding women’s voices in contexts where miscarriage is culturally minimized and emotionally unacknowledged. The study underscores the need for holistic miscarriage care that integrates psychological support, culturally sensitive counseling, and family-inclusive interventions. Future research should expand sample diversity and inform policies that recognize miscarriage as not only a medical event but a deeply emotional and social experience requiring structured post-loss care.