Thousands of miscarriages could be prevented with earlier NHS tests

• A study suggests that offering women further tests after their first miscarriage, rather than waiting until their third, could prevent over 10,000 losses annually in the UK.
• The pilot study, conducted by Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research and Birmingham Women’s Hospital, trialled a 'graded model' of care, which involves earlier intervention such as specialist consultations after a first loss and specific tests after a second.
• This new approach could spare thousands of families the trauma of recurrent pregnancy loss and potentially save the NHS more than £40 million each year.
• Currently, the NHS typically provides tests only after a woman has experienced three miscarriages, leaving many feeling unsupported and their grief unrecognised.
• Pregnancy and baby charity Tommy's is urging policymakers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to adopt this model, following Scotland's lead, with the government indicating that the findings will be carefully considered for the Women’s Health Strategy.

IN FULL

Earlier miscarriage tests could prevent 10,000 pregnancy losses a year, finds study