Baby Loss Guidance

[This guidance contains sensitive information regarding pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and baby loss, which could be triggering for some individuals]

Introduction

The University recognises that pregnancy loss can be a devastating experience whether it happens to you, your partner or the surrogate having your baby. We know that sadly it’s more common than people may think and that the challenges at work are often misunderstood. 

The University is committed to giving all affected colleagues the support that they need. 

This guidance is developed in support of: 

  • Colleagues who experience pregnancy loss, including partners. 

What is pregnancy loss?

Here are the key terms to know about the different types of pregnancy or baby loss: 

  • Miscarriage: This loss takes place during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. If your baby loss takes place before the 24th week, you are entitled to request a baby loss certificate which formally recognises your loss. 
  • Recurrent miscarriage - When a couple or individual experiences three miscarriages in a row, affecting around one in every hundred couples.  
  • Stillbirth: The loss takes place after 24 weeks of pregnancy and before birth. 
  • Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy which implants outside the uterus, commonly in the fallopian tube, that typically results in termination for medical reasons. 
  • Molar pregnancy: A rare condition in which abnormal tissue develops inside the uterus instead of an embryo. 
  • Neonatal Loss: The loss of a live-born baby up to 28 days after the birth. 

Why is the 24th week so important?

The 24th week of pregnancy marks the point at which a foetus has the potential to survive outside the womb. Before the 24th week, lungs and other vital organs are not mature enough for life to sustain itself. Beyond this point, there is a higher chance of survival if a baby is born prematurely, and so it's seen as a different stage of pregnancy. 

Experiencing the loss of a baby between 14-24 weeks of pregnancy is referred to as a late miscarriage.

We encourage you to contact your manager as soon as possible if you are affected by pregnancy loss, so that they can support you.  

We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and we don’t presume to know how much leave you might require. This guide is not about a one-size-fits-all approach but about offering various ways we can support you, so you can choose what works best for you. 

Time off

Pregnancy Loss Before 24 Weeks

If an employee suffers a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, any time off should be recorded as sickness absence under the ‘pregnancy-related’ category. This period of sick leave will not count towards sickness absence review points.

For absences longer than seven days, a Fitness for Work statement should be obtained from a doctor, midwife, or hospital health professional.

Intended parents (in the cases of surrogacy)/partners, grandparents, and close relatives who require time off following the loss may consider using the University’s emergency time off to care for dependents or special leave policies.

Pregnancy Loss After 24 Weeks

If a baby dies after 24 weeks of pregnancy (a stillbirth) or is born alive at any stage and then dies (neonatal death), the employee is usually entitled to full parental rights and benefits.

If the birth occurs before the intended start of maternity leave or before formal notice of maternity leave was given, maternity leave will begin immediately after birth.

Stillbirth or Neonatal Death

In the event of the death of a child, colleagues with parental responsibility can access the University’s Bereavement Leave Policy, which provides up to 10 days of paid parental bereavement leave. This leave may be taken in separate blocks of five days.

Colleagues who meet the eligibility criteria may also be entitled to Neonatal Care Leave in the event of the loss of their child.

Counselling and wellbeing support

Help and support is also available through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Our EAP provides free and confidential support to all University of Glasgow colleagues and their immediate family members. Support and advice is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The EAP provides a support network that offers expert advice and compassionate guidance 24/7, covering a wide range of issues helping colleagues through challenging periods either at work or home. 

To access this service call 0800 028 0199.  

Wisdom App 

Wisdom provides an enhanced set of wellbeing tools and engaging features to support wellbeing and wellness. The features are designed to improve the user’s mental and physical health by using personal metrics to set goals and achievements, which include, interactive mood trackers, four-week plans, mini health checks, personalised wellbeing contact, access to their helpline 24/7, 365 days a year and the live chat feature allows colleagues to contact a wellbeing counsellor using live messaging and video calls. Download the app via the app store or google play store and enter unique code: MHA23726. 

 

If you need further support 

There are lots of charities and other specialist support groups who offer information and support about pregnancy loss. Here are some that you might find helpful: 

  • The Miscarriage Association– an organisation which offers support and information for those affected by miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy as well as signposting for counselling services. 
  • Petals – provides specialist support and counselling after pregnancy loss 
  • SANDS can offer you support if your baby dies during pregnancy or after birth. 
  • ARC a national charity offering parents support through antenatal screening and its consequences, including bereavement. 
  • Abortion Talk - a new charity offering people the chance to talk about abortion in a non-judgemental and supportive environment. 
  • The Fertility Network – a charity offering resources and support for those affected by fertility issues 
  • Child Bereavement UK - helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.
  • Saying Goodbye - provides support to anyone affected by baby loss.

Returning to Work

We recognise that returning to work after a pregnancy loss can be emotionally and physically challenging. Each individual’s experience is unique, and we are committed to providing the necessary support. 

Temporary Adjustments:

If you need temporary changes to your working arrangements, please discuss this with your line manager.

Together, you can explore suitable arrangements in line with section 5.5 of the University’s Flexible Working Policy. For more details on supportive adjustments, refer to our Guide to Reasonable Adjustments. 

 Your manager may suggest speaking to our independent Employee Assistance Programme or visiting your GP for further support. They might also recommend a referral to Occupational Health to better understand your needs and how they can assist you. 

Confidentiality

If you inform your manager about your own or your partner’s pregnancy loss, they will keep this information confidential and will not share it without your consent, except in cases where there are serious concerns for your welfare or that of others.