Concealed pregnancies are more common in rural communities than urban areas, according to a recent report.
“Concealed Pregnancy: a case study in an Irish setting”, carried out by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency and the HSE West, estimated that one in every 403 births in a rural maternity hospital was concealed. This compared with one in every 625 births at a Dublin maternity hospital.
New guidelines for health professionals caring for women who conceal their pregnancies - launched by both groups at Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe at the weekend - aims to help them recognise and respond to the individual needs of these women.
The guidelines are divided into sections with tailored information for midwifery, social work, obstetrics, paediatrics and antenatal and administration departments at maternity hospitals.
Speaking at the launch, Catherine Conlon, author of the guidelines, said a primary objective of the research reported in 2006 was to generate recommendations to guide and inform the responsiveness of services to the specific needs of women concealing pregnancy.
“The guidelines are intended to enhance the capacity of caregivers to recognise, respond appropriately to and have understanding and empathy for women who present concealing pregnancy. The intention of the guidelines is to incorporate concealed pregnancy into current services, systems and structures rather than proposing any new or additional elements to optimise efficiency and mainstream the care of women concealing pregnancy.”
Katharine Bulbulia, chairperson of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, said concealed pregnancy has wide-ranging implications for the woman concerned, her social network and the professional services with which she comes into contact.
“These guidelines are the result of a collaborative partnership between the agency, the HSE West and a range of health professionals. They will enable health professionals in maternity settings to standardise responses and assist health and support services in delivering the best care to women. While instances of concealed pregnancy are not very common, the possible negative physical and psychological outcomes make it imperative that the best possible support and care is given to women who are in this situation.”
Marie Finn, crisis pregnancy counsellor at Portiuncula Hospital, said from a practitioner’s perspective the new guidelines will further work towards ensuring a sensitive and tailored response to any women who presents with a concealed pregnancy.
Caroline Spillane, director, Crisis Pregnancy Agency outlined the circumstances surrounding each crisis pregnancy is unique.
“The concealment of pregnancy is one of many possible reactions a woman may have. The agency’s ‘Positive Options’ campaign raises awareness of State-funded crisis pregnancy counselling which is available at 50 centres nationwide offering free, non-judgemental support to help the woman to address her feelings surrounding the pregnancy.”
