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Miscarriage and baby loss

Find information about miscarriage, stillbirth and when a pēpi dies.

Breast care after baby loss

The loss of a pēpi (baby) or tamaiti (child) is very difficult for anyone. Managing your breast milk supply after loss is something you will need to think about. You have choices and it is up to you to decide what to do with your milk supply.

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg attaches outside of the womb. Ectopic pregnancies can be dangerous and need immediate medical care.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is a pregnancy that ends on its own before 20 weeks. It is most likely to happen in the first 12 weeks.

Managing your miscarriage

Managing a miscarriage can be difficult. You may need help to understand your options and how to care for yourself.

Surgical management of miscarriage

Surgical management of a miscarriage is a choice for all women who have had a miscarriage. It may also be recommended or necessary depending on the circumstances, for example if there is unusually heavy bleeding.

Molar pregnancy

A molar pregnancy is when an egg is fertilised but it is genetically faulty. Some tissue grows and implants, but it always ends in a miscarriage.

Pregnancy loss — practical help and support

After pregnancy loss you will probably find there are some difficult days ahead, and you may need some practical help and support about hospital procedures, funeral arrangements and going home.

Stillbirth

In Aotearoa New Zealand, losing a pēpi (baby) after 20 weeks of pregnancy is called a stillbirth. Most stillbirths cannot be prevented, but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk.

Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)

When a pēpi (baby) under one year old dies suddenly for no obvious reason, it is called a sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). There are things parents can do to reduce the risk of SUDI.