Key highlights from study:
- NHS routinely offers follow-up care only after three miscarriages
- Tommy's model shows benefit of earlier support and pick-up of miscarriage risk factors
- Tommy’s Ambassador Myleene Klass MBE hails report as ‘a turning point’ and ‘lifechanging opportunity’
Earlier support could prevent thousands of miscarriages each year
The NHS usually only provides tests and support after a third miscarriage, leaving thousands of women and families without adequate help after a first or second loss. Even after a third miscarriage, services are inconsistent and women and birthing people cannot always access the advice and care they need.
Tommy’s researchers have evaluated a ‘graded model’ that offers care after every miscarriage, including the first. This creates earlier opportunities to support families devastated by loss and to identify treatable health issues and other risk factors that can affect pregnancy outcomes.
The pilot study, from Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research and conducted at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, with input from researchers at the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, found the Graded Model of Care identified more miscarriage risk factors and medical conditions than standard NHS care.
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health website.