[Psychology and pregnancy loss]

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between psychology and pregnancy loss.

Methods: A literature review was conducted by consulting Medline until April 2014.

Results: Psychological factors appear to be significantly associated with the risk of recurrent miscarriage. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms after miscarriage. A return to normal scores of depression and anxiety is frequently found in one year. A systematic psychological treatment after an episode of miscarriage seems to not bring obvious benefits, one year after a miscarriage, in terms of anxiety and depression. After a stillbirth, psychological impacts on the couple, such as anxiety and depressive symptoms, are common. An empathetic and respectful attitude of all medical and paramedical team at the support is associated with better psychological experience.

Conclusion: After a pregnancy loss, psychological consequences are common and usually reversible. An attitude of empathy is desirable in order to accompany patients and to consider a future pregnancy.