Exploring parents' experiences of losing a child during pregnancy or birth

Parents' Experience of Child Loss During Pregnancy or Birth - an Explorative, Sequential Mixed-methods Study

Observational Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Faculty of Applied Healthcare Sciences · NCT06771661

This study looks at how parents feel after losing a child during pregnancy or birth to help improve support from healthcare professionals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDeggendorf Institute of Technology, Faculty of Applied Healthcare Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Deggendorf, Bavaria)
Trial IDNCT06771661 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to understand the experiences of parents who have faced child loss during pregnancy or birth. Using a participatory approach, the research involves parents in the design and execution of the study, which includes workshops, focus groups, and narrative interviews to gather insights into their needs and experiences. The findings will be used to develop treatment recommendations for healthcare professionals to better support affected families.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are German-speaking parents living in Austria, Germany, or Switzerland who have experienced child loss within the last 12 months.

Not a fit: Patients who lost a child after birth or those not in a good mental condition to participate may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved support and care for parents experiencing child loss.

How similar studies have performed: While qualitative research on parental experiences of child loss is not novel, this participatory approach may offer unique insights and has the potential for impactful recommendations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* German speaking
* Living in Austria, Germany or Switzerland
* Child loss during pregnancy or birth
* Child loss within last 12 months
* Legal capacity
* Voluntary participation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Loss of child after birth
* Not speaking and understanding German
* Not in a good mental condition to participate

Where this trial is running

Deggendorf, Bavaria

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stillbirth and Fetal DeathMiscarriagesExperiencePregnancy lossChild lossQualitative researchMixed-methodsNeed
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.