It happens all the time but we hardly ever talk about it.

About one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage, leaving many couples struggling with unresolved grief and social isolation.  In this episode we start with a simple explanation of what miscarriage is - and what it isn't.

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In New Zealand, a miscarriage is defined as the loss of a pregnancy in the first 20 weeks. It is thought that the majority of miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo or foetus. This means that despite the terminology used ('mis-carried', 'lost' a pregnancy), miscarriage is not anyone's fault.

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Misconceptions will cover types of first trimester miscarriage, miscarriage management, coping with grief, and how to support someone who is going through miscarriage. It will also delve into some of the myths and taboos surrounding the first trimester of pregnancy. The episodes feature interviews with well-known New Zealanders and with everyday people, who share their personal experiences of pregnancy loss. Misconceptions also includes interviews with a range of experts who help explain the physical and emotional effects of miscarriage.

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The fact that miscarriage is completely normal does not make going through it any easier. And because it's not usually talked about openly, it can come as a real shock. It can also be a very lonely experience. That was the case for bereaved parent Sanele Chadwick. "I didn't know it could happen," he says. "I didn't know miscarriage was a thing. I didn't know it was as common as it is."

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The grief that sometimes accompanies miscarriage can also come as a surprise to parents, says infertility and pregnancy loss counsellor Megan Downer."A lot of women are confused about this intense feeling of loss for someone that they never met," Downer says. "The important thing is being able to talk about and make sense of their thoughts and feelings."

"A lot of women are confused about this intense feeling of loss for someone that they never met," Downer says. "The important thing is being able to talk about and make sense of their thoughts and feelings."

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Need support?

• If you think you may be having a miscarriage, contact your lead maternity carer - this may be a midwife or your GP. Alternatively, call Healthline free on 0800 611 116, or visit your local Urgent Medical Centre or hospital

• Visit the Miscarriage Support website or join the Facebook group.

• Visit the Sands website. Sands supports parents and families who have experienced the death of a baby.

• Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.