Pregnancy loss, particularly in the case of an ectopic pregnancy (EP), can deeply affect a woman’s mental health and self-esteem. Often, the emotional toll leads to grief, sadness, and a diminished sense of self-worth. To address this, a 2018 randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at Al-Zahra Hospital in Tabriz, Iran, explored how structured counseling can help women navigate these challenges. The findings offer hope and practical strategies for recovery.
The Study: Counseling as a Tool for Healing
The study involved 68 women who experienced an ectopic pregnancy. Researchers divided them into two groups: a counseling group and a control group. The counseling group participated in four structured sessions designed to address the physical and emotional aftermath of EP. These sessions included:
- Medical Information: Educating women about ectopic pregnancy and its complications.
- Understanding Grief: Explaining the natural process of sadness after pregnancy loss.
- Mental Health Strategies: Providing tools to improve emotional well-being.
- Rebuilding Self-Esteem: Offering guidance on regaining confidence after loss.
Meanwhile, the control group received only routine care. Researchers assessed both groups using the General Health Questionnaire-28 and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire before and two weeks after the intervention.
Key Findings: A Path to Recovery
Initially, both groups showed similar levels of mental health and self-esteem. However, two weeks after the sessions, the results were striking. Women in the counseling group reported significantly better mental health, with an average score of 20.1 (SD = 5.0), compared to 32.9 (SD = 9.8) in the control group. This represents a substantial improvement, with an adjusted difference of -11.27 (p < .001).
Similarly, self-esteem scores in the counseling group increased significantly. Specifically, the adjusted difference was 4.79 (p < .001) compared to the control group. These findings highlight the transformative impact of counseling, demonstrating its ability to reduce mental health challenges and foster a stronger sense of self-worth.
Why Counseling Matters
The study underscores the importance of integrating counseling into post-pregnancy loss care. Ectopic pregnancy, like other forms of pregnancy loss, can leave women feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Counseling provides a safe space to process emotions, gain clarity, and develop coping strategies. Moreover, by addressing both mental health and self-esteem, counseling empowers women to heal and move forward with resilience.
For healthcare providers, these findings emphasize the value of structured, midwife-led counseling programs. Not only do such interventions improve individual outcomes, but they also contribute to a more compassionate and supportive healthcare system.
A Call for Comprehensive Care
Pregnancy loss is a deeply personal experience, and its impact extends far beyond the physical. Therefore, this study serves as a reminder that emotional and psychological support should be a cornerstone of post-pregnancy care. By prioritizing counseling and mental health resources, we can help women rebuild their lives and restore their sense of self after loss.
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In case of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate professional help.
Source:
Hasani, S., Mirghafourvand, M., Esmaeilpour, K., & Shafaie, F. S. (2019). The effect of counseling based on health promotion awareness on mental health and self-esteem in women with ectopic pregnancy: a randomized controlled clinical trial. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 34(11), 1687–1694. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767058.2019.1644314