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October 15th marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, a time to support the many thousands of people across Canada who have been affected by the loss of a pregnancy or infant. Pregnancy loss is common, with the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada (https://www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(25)00186-0/fulltext) recently noting that early pregnancy loss affects an estimated 15-25% of pregnancies. The actual percentage is unknown due to the challenges of reporting and the inability to account for unrecognized pregnancies. Many losses occur within the first eight weeks of pregnancy (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Canada), and may be before someone knows they are pregnant, mistaken instead for a heavy period.(https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/your-pregnancy/special-consideration/miscarriage/).
Most often, having a miscarriage does not mean that someone cannot have another pregnancy and carry to term in the future. If you have questions about what the loss of a pregnancy might mean for your reproductive health, you can continue to connect with your primary care provider or reach out to Sex Sense ( if you’re not sure where to start.
The experience of early pregnancy loss is unique to each individual and should not be expected to feel the same for everyone. For some, it may feel difficult to navigate this kind of loss or feel unclear as to how to move forward. Later term miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss are less common and can be extremely difficult experiences, as well as isolating ones. Please know that if you have experienced any of these, you are not alone.
Organizations like Baby’s Breath (https://www.babysbreathcanada.ca/peer-support-resources/) have compiled some helpful and recommended resources for those affected by pregnancy and infant loss.
If you are supporting someone who has lost a pregnancy or infant, you can find some suggestions on how to help from Canadian Public Health Services (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/maternity-newborn-care-guidelines-chapter-7.html#a4).
BC Women’s Hospital Foundation is also hosting the Butterfly Run (or walk) on October 15th.
If you would like to be part of a movement of support on October 15th, you can join in the International Wave of Light. Light a candle at 7 p.m. in remembrance of the pregnancies and infants that have been lost. As time zones around the world move through 7 p.m., this wave of light ripples around the world.
If you have more questions or are looking for additional information and resources our Sex Sense team is available Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to help. They can be reached at 1-800-739-7367 or by email by visiting SexSense.org.