World Pregnancy & Infant Loss rememberance Day 2024

World Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day, observed annually on October 15th, is a global healthcare event that aims to raise awareness about pregnancy loss and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Established in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan as part of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, it offers grieving families a space to remember and heal from their losses. The day aims to raise awareness and provide support for those who have experienced such heartache, with initiatives like the "Wave of Light," where candles are lit at 7 P.M. worldwide to create a global wave of remembrance. The remembrance day also encourages community support through events like the "Walk to Remember," where people wear pink and blue ribbons, the official colors of the day. These walks, along with other activities, help foster conversations and break the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss. The day emphasizes that families are not alone in their grief and that public awareness is key to supporting those affected.

On this day, various local, national, and international organizations come together to organize events, educational programs, and various activities to raise awareness about the long-term knowledge of the world

History:

In 2002, Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown, and Tammy Novak have started the movement by petitioning the federal government to recognize the World Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day on October 15. In 2006, on September 28th, the House of Representatives finally approved National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Importance:

Miscarriage is the most common cause of pregnancy loss. The definition of pregnancy loss varies across different countries, but a baby who passes away before 28 weeks of gestation is commonly referred to as a miscarriage. Maternal age plays a crucial role in determining the risk of miscarriage. Women aged 20 to 30 have a 8.9% chance of miscarriage before 20 weeks of gestation. However, this risk significantly increases to 74.7% for women over the age of 30.

Nearly 20 lakhs babies are stillborn annually, and many of these deaths are preventable. Despite being prevalent in developed countries, miscarriages and stillbirths are not systematically recorded, indicating a lack of comprehensive data collection. It is estimated that approximately 26% of all pregnancies result in infant loss, and up to 10% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Moreover, 80% of early pregnancy loss occurs during the first trimester.

The day serves several key purposes:

This day offers families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss an opportunity to openly grieve and honor the lives of their lost babies. It helps break the silence surrounding these often stigmatized and unspoken losses, which can lead to a sense of isolation for bereaved parents. Many parents report feeling alone in their grief due to societal discomfort with discussing miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. By providing a collective day of remembrance, parents find community support, allowing them to express their grief in a shared space​.

Pregnancy and infant loss are more common than many people realize. Around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss, yet discussions about these experiences are often avoided due to cultural taboos or discomfort. The Remembrance Day raises awareness about the emotional toll of such losses and the need for compassionate support systems. It highlights the importance of proper care, mental health support, and resources for affected families​.

The remembrance day serves as a platform to recognize the significance of the brief lives lost. Initiatives like the "Wave of Light," where candles are lit worldwide at 7 PM local time, allow families to participate in a global moment of remembrance. These ceremonies help commemorate the lives of babies who may not have had the chance to live long, but whose presence still deeply impacted their families​.

World Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day also brings attention to the need for further research and preventive measures. It promotes advocacy for better prenatal care, stillbirth prevention strategies, and support systems for grieving parents. The increased visibility on this day encourages policymakers and healthcare providers to invest in education, awareness, and emotional support for affected families​. Overall, the day fosters a compassionate dialogue around pregnancy and infant loss while providing a vital space for healing and remembrance.

Preventive Measures to Reduce the Risk of Pregnancy & Infant Loss

• Folic Acid Supplementation: Women planning to conceive should take folic acid supplements (400-800 mcg daily) to reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.
• Chronic Condition Management: Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders should be managed before and during pregnancy to minimize risks to both mother and baby.

• Early and Consistent Checkups: Regular visits to a healthcare provider during pregnancy help monitor the health of both mother and baby, allowing for early detection of complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
• Ultrasound Monitoring: Ultrasounds can help detect fetal anomalies early, allowing for timely interventions.

• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is important for pregnant women to avoid these substances.
• Maintain a Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids supports fetal development and reduces the risk of complications.

• Vaccination: Pregnant women should receive vaccines like the flu shot and the whooping cough vaccine to protect both themselves and their baby from infections.
• Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, can help prevent harmful infections during pregnancy.

• Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy reduces the risks of complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.

• Limit Exposure to Toxins: Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, pesticides, and environmental pollutants that may increase the risk of pregnancy complications or birth defects.

• Emotional Well-being: Managing stress and seeking support for mental health can reduce the risk of preterm labor and support overall maternal well-being.

• Sleep Positioning: Place infants on their backs to sleep, use a firm mattress, and avoid soft bedding to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).