BACKGROUND:
Pregnancy loss including miscarriage and stillbirth can have profound psychological consequences for women. While approximately one in four women experience complicated grief that may lead to anxiety and depression. Healthcare systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan, remain predominantly focused on physical needs, neglecting women’s psychological needs.

OBJECTIVES:
To explore the lived experiences of women following pregnancy loss and examine healthcare providers’ perspectives on bereavement care to identify emotional, cultural, and systemic factors influencing support during the perinatal loss period.

METHODS:
A qualitative descriptive approach was employed to conduct in-depth interviews with 23 women who had experienced pregnancy loss. Additionally, a focus group discussion was held with 18 Midwives. Participants were purposively selected from three private healthcare facilities in Karachi, Pakistan. Data collection instruments were semi-structured interview guides. Data was analyzed using Creswell’s (2013) framework for qualitative analysis.

RESULTS:
Three major themes emerged: a) Understanding Pregnancy Loss: women’s knowledge was shaped by cultural myths, self-blame, and informal sources, often delaying professional care; b) Living the Loss: women reported profound emotional suffering exacerbated by social stigma, lack of empathy, and absence of psychological support in both hospital and home environments; c) Coping with Loss: religious faith, peer support, and spousal empathy were important coping resources, while systemic barriers like restrictive hospital policies and untrained staff impeded emotional healing. Providers acknowledged the lack of training and time as key barriers to quality care.

CONCLUSIONS:
These findings underscore the urgent need for culturally sensitive, integrated psychosocial interventions within maternity care. Addressing emotional dimensions through education, empathetic communication, and supportive health system is essential for improving outcomes for women navigating pregnancy loss.

KEY MESSAGE:
women’s understanding was shaped by myths and informal sources, delaying care. Grief, and stigma were common, often unmet by providers. Coping was supported by faith, spouses, and peers, but hindered by limited psychosocial support. Poster session 1 (Group A)