Regina clinic helps women deal with physical, emotional impact of miscarriage

The early pregnancy assessment clinic at Regina General Hospital is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan.

Amanda Watson lost a child to miscarriage 18 months ago.

“It’s devastating,” Watson said. “You think what did I do? What did I do wrong?”

She’s not alone. Experts say roughly one in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage.

In May, an early pregnancy assessment clinic opened in the Women’s Health Centre at Regina General Hospital. Since then, it’s helped more than 775 women in a private setting, with support from nurses, physicians and social workers.

The clinic, which is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan, has half the average wait time of the emergency room.

"The other thing that this clinic provides is information about miscarriage, and a more sensitive approach to the emotional reaction that that couple may be experiencing," said Dr. Corrine Jabs, the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region’s head of obstetrics and gynecology.

Laura Strem has had three of four pregnancies end in miscarriage. Her third loss was assessed through the clinic.

“The nurses and the staff were so kind to me, and addressed not just the physical needs but the emotional needs as well," she said.

Staff at the clinic also offer follow-up care to meet the range of needs women experience following a miscarriage.

"I've noticed a lot of people feel relief when they come here, and they realize that this is their experience,” said medical social worker Chanda McFadden. “We are there to support them but this is their journey."

Strem made a film called “This Is Miscarriage,” with proceeds going to the clinic.

"It's ok to talk about it,” she said. “You don't have to be silent. We can grieve together."

Despite the clinic’s success, staff say there’s still more work to be done. The clinic currently is only open on weekdays and confined by the resources of the women’s health department.

"Now that we've proven our value, I'm hoping we can expand our hours of operation or the types of services that we provide to women through this clinic,” Jabs said.