A new study indicates that giving women access to specialised care after their first miscarriage could prevent approximately 10,000 pregnancy losses each year across the UK. Currently, women in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are eligible for specialist NHS care for early baby losses only after experiencing at least three miscarriages.
Tommy’s Calls for Change
The charity Tommy’s has urged that women become eligible after just one miscarriage, arguing that this approach could reduce the risk of future losses and improve maternal health outcomes. The graded model of miscarriage care proposed by Tommy’s is already implemented in Scotland, and the charity is advocating for its adoption throughout the UK.
Study Findings
A study conducted by Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research and Birmingham Women’s Hospital, involving 406 women, revealed a 4% reduction in the risk of future miscarriage for those receiving the graded model of care compared to standard care. This reduction translates to 10,075 fewer miscarriages annually across the UK. The graded model includes a nurse intervention after the first miscarriage, providing advice on reducing risk factors such as low vitamin D levels, folic acid deficiency, alcohol consumption, and caffeine intake.
Women who received the specialised care were 47% more likely to have a risk factor identified and receive relevant advice to help prevent future miscarriages than those receiving usual care. Additionally, among women who had experienced two miscarriages and received specialised care, one in five were found to have thyroid dysfunction or anaemia, both conditions that affect pregnancy outcomes.
Impact and Advocacy
About one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, mostly within the first 12 weeks. Kath Abrahams, chief executive of Tommy’s, stated that women are being “left without early access to services that could help prevent future losses and reduce the debilitating feelings of isolation and hopelessness.” She emphasised that the pilot study shows providing support after a first miscarriage is effective and achievable without significant additional workload for NHS teams. “Put simply, it is the right thing to do,” she added.
The report arrives ahead of the long-awaited final findings of the government’s investigation into maternity care in England. Interim findings revealed numerous failures, including NHS hospitals covering up mistakes, falsifying medical records, and denying bereaved parents answers. Women’s health minister Gillian Merron welcomed the study, stating that pregnancy and baby loss can have a devastating impact, and the findings will be carefully considered to ensure women receive high-quality, compassionate NHS care.
