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Abstract: The death of a twin in the womb is traumatic for the mother. Pre- and perinatal psychology emphasizes the importance of a calm and stress-free pregnancy for the motber, so that the child will not be badly affected. The loss of one or more fetuses from a twin or multiple conception is unavoidably stressful. However, with full knowledge of the implications of such a death on all the parties involved and the opportunity to mourn the death openly, the stress on the pregnant mother can be reduced. Ways to reduce the stress on tbe mother are described.
Key Words: Multiple Pregnancy, Twin loss, Womb Twin Survivor
Carrying A Single Twin: Breaking the Silence
The death of a twin in the womb during pregnancy or around birth is a significant psychological trauma for both mother and the womb twin survivor. Unfortunately, the psychological effects on all concerned are often misunderstood, ignored, or overlooked. Pre- and perinatal psychology emphasizes the importance of a calm and stressfree pregnancy for the mother, so that the child will not be badly affected. However, the loss of one or more fetuses from a twin or multiple conception is unavoidably stressful. The death of a twin, including stillbirth, miscarriage, abortion, or a "vanishing twin" pregnancy, has for too long been shrouded in mystery. It is known in cancer and renal care that information reduces uncertainty, which can be a major cause of anxiety and stress, particularly in the hospital environment (Brock, 1990; Galloway & Graydon, 1996). It follows that, with full information about the possible implications of the death of one twin on all the parties involved, plus the opportunity to mourn the death openly, the stress on the mother could be reduced.
A conspiracy of silence
There is often a mistaken assumption that even mentioning the death of one of her twins to a pregnant mother will increase her distress, so the early loss of a twin is disregarded in a conspiracy of silence, maintained with the kindest of intentions. As a result, mothers are left unsupported just when they need support. This is of particular concern after multifetal pregnancy reduction (Bryan, 2002). The bereaved mother is left to find her own support network and find her own...