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For women with type 2 diabetes

Pregnancy loss

Pregnancy loss including miscarriage, stillbirth or the loss of a newborn can be devastating.

Women and their partners, as well as other family members, will experience a wide range of feelings. This may include shock, grief, confusion, anger, failure and sadness. These feelings are likely to fluctuate and may come and go in waves over days, weeks and months. Sometimes, a woman may experience feelings of guilt, or blame herself for the pregnancy loss—even when there is usually nothing she could have done differently. These feelings can be a natural part of the grieving process.

Pregnancy loss is very common both for women with and without diabetes. It’s important to remember that there are many different reasons why a pregnancy loss occurs. Sometimes there may be genetic problems (most of which occur by chance) or problems with the placenta or uterus. In most cases the exact cause is not known.

This is a time when you and your loved ones are likely to need extra support. Counselling and support services are available to help you.

Sands offer support for those who have experienced a pregnancy loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. Volunteers are available 24 hours a day through the Sands National Support Line by phoning 1300 072 637. They also offer online and email support.

For women with diabetes it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your diabetes health professionals after a pregnancy loss. They can discuss any diabetes-related issues or concerns you may have, and work with you to help best manage your diabetes, should you be considering another pregnancy.

If you need to talk to someone urgently contact:

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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