The loss of a fetus during any stage of pregnancy can be one of the most stressful, grief-filled - but least understood or recognized - events in a woman's life.

Too often, miscarriage is "swept under the rug" by well-meaning partners, friends, or relatives who don't recognize the level of impact it has had. And too often, women who have experienced a miscarriage don't get the bedside manner - or the referrals for mental health support - that they need from their healthcare providers.

The Mayo Clinic has published concise but helpful tip sheets on their website: "Coping with Pregnancy Loss" and "Understanding Miscarriage."