Baby Loss Awareness Week is a time for remembrance, reflection, and support. Whether your baby was lost during early pregnancy or shortly after birth, this week gives voice to the grief that too often goes unspoken.

At Williamsons Solicitors, we have supported many families through some of their most difficult moments, we understand that behind every statistic is a deeply personal story, one of love, loss, and unanswered questions. If you are reading this after experiencing a loss, we want you to know, you are not alone.

Below, we explain some of the terms you might hear in relation to baby loss. We hope this helps families feel more informed, acknowledged and supported.

Understanding Miscarriage

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks. It is more common than many people realise; affecting around 1 in 4 pregnancies, but that does not lessen the pain it brings.

Often, miscarriages happen naturally and without warning. In some cases, however, signs may be overlooked, or a diagnosis may be delayed. When this happens, the experience can be even more distressing, particularly if medical care could have helped.

Some families are left not only grieving but confused and seeking clarity about whether more could have been done. If that is how you are feeling, we are here to listen, without pressure or judgment.

When a Baby is Stillbirth

A stillbirth is when a baby is born without signs of life after 24 weeks of pregnancy. It is one of the most devastating losses a family can face.

Sometimes, the cause of a stillbirth is never found. Other times, it may be linked to complications such as issues with the placenta (which provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby), pre-eclampsia (a condition causing high blood pressure in pregnancy), infections, or umbilical cord problems.

In some cases, stillbirth may be preventable, especially where warning signs were missed, or care during pregnancy or labour was not as thorough as it should have been. These questions can be incredibly hard to answer, and it is okay to want answers.

Losing a Baby in the first Days of Life

A neonatal death is when a baby dies within the first 28 days of life. Some babies are born with conditions that cannot be treated, but in other situations, their deaths may follow complications during labour, missed infections, or delays in medical care.

When this happens, families are often left in shock, with little time to understand what went wrong. We know that during grief, seeking answers can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone.

The Emotional Impact

Losing a baby, at any stage, can leave a lasting emotional impact. Parents and families may experience grief, anxiety, guilt, depression, or even trauma. These feelings are normal, valid, and deserve care and attention.

You might find that your relationships, sleep, or even daily routine are affected. Some parents feel isolated, especially if others do not understand the depth of the loss. Please know that grief has no timeline, and you do not need to “move on” or “be strong” before you are ready.

If you are struggling, there are support groups and counselling services that specialise in baby loss. You are never expected to go through this alone.

How we can help

You may not be sure whether your baby’s death could have been prevented. That uncertainty is understandable. If you have any concerns about the care you received, before, during, or after pregnancy, we are here to help you understand what happened.

We offer a safe and compassionate space to explore your experience. If needed, we can investigate the care provided and help you decide whether you may have grounds to bring a claim. But more than that, we are here to listen, support, and walk with you through whatever comes next.

At Williamsons, we understand that baby loss is not just a moment in time, it is a lifelong experience. If you are seeking clarity, answers, or support following a miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal loss, please get in touch with our understanding clinical negligence team for further advice.

Call us on 01482 323697

If you are ready to talk, we are ready to listen, no pressure, just conversation when the time feels right.