Reliability and validity of the Perinatal Grief Scale for women who experienced late pregnancy loss.

ABSTRACT

The psychometric qualities of the Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) were evaluated in a sample of 46 Dutch women in late pregnancy (> or = 24 weeks), who had been informed of the diagnosis 'lethal or severe fetal malformation'. The validity was assessed by comparing it to the Impact of Event Scale and to a clinical diagnosis of psychological instability. The PGS appeared to be internally consistent and particularly strongly related to psychological instability. It can therefore be considered as a valid assessment instrument, also for women who experience late pregnancy loss.