ABSTRACT
In reality neurotic, phobic, depressive or hypochondriacal reactions may continue from the first stillbirth or may be reactivated after an apparent recovery. The girl whose mother had a bad obstetric history may be vulnerable to extra psychological disturbance if she has obstetric troubles herself when she grows up. If mourning is achieved, another pregnancy will offer consolation and fulfilment. Unfortunately, the new pregnancy very often cuts short the mourning process, predisposing to mental disturbance. Normal recovery from a loss involves taking in what has happened, and sorting out mixed feelings and lost hopes so that memories of the dead recede to a healthy perspective. During pregnancy after a stillbirth, it is particularly difficult for a woman to think through mixed feelings towards the dead baby pictured inside herself whilst at the same time trying to grapple with her thoughts and feelings about the new baby whose safety is her immediate chief concern.
