Early miscarriage care could cut UK losses by 10,000 a year, study finds
Early miscarriage care could cut UK losses by 10,000 a year, study finds
A UK study suggests specialised care after the first miscarriage could prevent about 10,000 pregnancy losses annually, prompting calls for NHS policy change.
A UK study led by Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research and Birmingham Women’s Hospital suggests that giving specialised care after the first miscarriage could prevent about 10,075 pregnancy losses a year across the UK. The research involved 406 women and found a 4% reduction in the risk of future miscarriage when the graded care model was used, compared with usual care. If implemented nationwide, the findings translate to roughly 10,075 fewer miscarriages annually in the UK. Currently, NHS rules in England, Wales and Northern Ireland require at least three miscarriages before accessing specialist care.
Tommy’s argues the graded model, already available in Scotland, should start after one miscarriage. It features a nurse-led intervention after the first loss to guide patients on risk factors such as vitamin D and folic acid levels, alcohol consumption and caffeine intake. Women receiving specialist care were 47% more likely to have a risk factor identified and to receive advice aimed at reducing future risk.
The study also found that among women who had two miscarriages and received specialised care, about one in five had thyroid dysfunction or anaemia — conditions known to influence pregnancy outcomes. Kath Abrahams, chief executive of Tommy’s, said women are “left without early access to services” that could help prevent future losses and ease the emotional toll.
Scotland already uses the graded care model, and campaigners argue it should be extended to the whole UK to save lives and reduce NHS costs, while offering clearer support to parents navigating loss.
