You may have just received hard news or be in the middle of an uncertain time.
You might have seen a doctor, had an ultrasound, or found this guide while looking for answers.
Wherever you are in your journey — your experience matters. This guide is here to support you.
You might feel sadness, shock, anger, relief, guilt, or numbness — or nothing at all. There’s no right or wrong way to feel.
In this section, you’ll find:
- A note about the words we use.
- A note about ending a pregnancy.
- Information for partners and support people.
- Guidance for family and loved ones.
A note about the words we use
Words are important — especially during hard times.
People use different words to talk about pregnancy loss. We’ve worked closely with parents to use kind and respectful language in this guide. We mostly say pregnancy loss, and sometimes early pregnancy loss, miscarriage, or pregnancy loss before 20 weeks. When we use the word early, we mean the timing — not how important your loss is.
We use baby because that’s how many people think about their pregnancy. But not everyone uses the same words. Some people say embryo, pregnancy, or just loss. You might use different words at different times — and that’s okay. What matters is what feels right to you.
We say woman for the person who is pregnant, but we know not everyone uses this word. Use the words that feel right for you and let your care team know. We also say parent to include mothers, fathers, and partners. Not everyone who goes through pregnancy loss sees themselves as a parent — and that’s okay too.
When we say healthcare professional, care provider, or care team, we mean people who provide medical or emotional care like midwives, doctors, nurses, social workers, and counsellors.
We also recognise the important role of family, friends, peer groups, and communities who support parents during and after loss.
A note about ending a pregnancy
This guide provides information on care and support around pregnancy loss, including loss that happens as part of a decision to end a pregnancy. One form of this is termination for medical reasons (TFMR), which often follows unexpected and heartbreaking news, such as serious health risks to the baby or the mother. It’s a path no one expects to take.
We also acknowledge that pregnancy may be ended for other reasons. These decisions are deeply personal and can be incredibly difficult.
The medical steps leading up to the loss — such as tests, diagnosis, and making the decision — are not covered in this guide. We hope you’ve received kind, respectful care and clear information to support you through that process.
This guide offers a brief overview of termination of pregnancy and general support after pregnancy loss. While it doesn’t include everything you may need, we hope it helps you feel informed, supported, and less alone at this stage.
Support if English is not your first language
Pregnancy loss is emotional and can feel even harder if English isn’t your first language. But your voice matters, and support is available.
You have the right to a free professional interpreter at any public health appointment. This can help you feel more informed and involved in your care.
You can also bring a trusted family member or support person to your appointments if that feels right for you.
Finding support that respects your culture or beliefs can take time.
You can ask your healthcare team about:
- Multicultural health workers or liaison officers.
- Community groups that support people from your culture or religion.
- Support groups or services in your language.
- Mental health services that understand your culture.
Finding Support
Support options may differ depending on where you live. If you’re unsure how to find services in your language or community, your doctor, midwife or hospital social worker can help guide you to the right support.
You can also explore Embrace Multicultural Mental Health — which provides mental health support for people from multicultural backgrounds. Visit embracementalhealth.org.au for more information
