Tommy’s miscarriage care model could prevent 10,000 losses a year, new research suggests
A new pilot study shows earlier support after miscarriage could help thousands of families avoid further loss.
Miscarriage affects around 250,000 pregnancies in the UK every year, yet most women are still told they must experience three losses before receiving specialist NHS follow-up care.
Now, new research from Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research suggests that changing this approach could prevent more than 10,000 miscarriages annually, offering thousands more families the chance to bring their babies home.
Published today, the findings come from a pilot of Tommy’s Graded Model of Miscarriage Care at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, designed to offer support and investigations from the very first loss.
Why miscarriage care may be set for change
Under current NHS practice, follow-up investigations are usually only offered after three miscarriages. For many families, that means navigating repeated loss without answers, treatment or structured emotional support.
Tommy’s developed its graded model following its Miscarriage Matters campaign, which highlighted the urgent need for earlier, more consistent care. The new framework provides tailored support after every miscarriage, with care increasing in intensity after each loss.
After a first miscarriage, women are offered a nurse-led consultation focusing on physical health, mental wellbeing and reducing risk factors for future pregnancies. After a second loss, blood tests and early reassurance scans are added. After three miscarriages, consultant-led investigations are introduced.
The aim is simple, to identify treatable conditions and modifiable risk factors sooner, and to offer emotional support before families reach crisis point.
What the pilot study found
The pilot involved 203 women receiving the graded model, compared with 203 women who received usual NHS care.
Researchers found that women treated under Tommy’s model were significantly more likely to have miscarriage risk factors identified. In fact, 86% had at least one modifiable risk factor picked up, compared with 58% under standard care.
Among women who had experienced two miscarriages, one in five were found to have either thyroid dysfunction or anaemia, both treatable conditions that can improve pregnancy outcomes. Under usual care, many would not have been tested until after a third loss.
Crucially, the study showed a 4% absolute reduction in the risk of miscarriage in subsequent pregnancies for those receiving graded care. Based on UK miscarriage rates, that equates to around 10,075 miscarriages potentially prevented each year.
Professor Arri Coomarasamy OBE, Director of Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, said:
“If the graded model were implemented across the UK, our study indicates it could prevent around 10,075 miscarriages every year. That’s thousands of families bringing their babies home instead of suffering the trauma of a pregnancy loss.”
If the graded model were implemented across the UK, our study indicates it could prevent around 10,075 miscarriages every year. That’s thousands of families bringing their babies home instead of suffering the trauma of a pregnancy loss.
Support that families say makes a difference
Women who took part in the pilot reported high levels of satisfaction, with 99% saying they were satisfied or very satisfied with the care received.
Many described the difference as transformative compared with previous experiences of being discharged without follow-up.
Tommy’s Ambassador Myleene Klass MBE, who has previously shared her own experience of recurrent pregnancy loss, described the new approach as “a turning point”, adding: “This is our moment to give every family that same lifechanging opportunity.”
This is our moment to give every family that same lifechanging opportunity.
Healthcare professionals involved in the pilot also reported that the model was feasible to deliver without significantly increasing workload, an important consideration for already stretched NHS teams.
The wider impact of miscarriage
Miscarriage is often treated as an isolated event, but research shows it can have long-term physical, emotional and financial consequences.
Tommy’s report highlights that miscarriage costs the UK economy an estimated £471 million each year. Women frequently report anxiety and depression after loss, and many take time off work or struggle with productivity for months afterwards.
By identifying health issues earlier and offering structured support, the graded model aims not only to reduce future miscarriages, but also to improve overall maternal health and wellbeing.
What happens next?
Following the pilot’s findings, Tommy’s is calling for a national rollout of the Graded Model of Miscarriage Care across the UK to end what it describes as the “3 miscarriage wait”.
Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of Tommy’s, said:
“NHS care and support for women who experience a miscarriage in the UK is inconsistent and generally involves no follow-up or tests until after a third loss.
“The 3 miscarriage wait means women and families are left without early access to services that could help prevent future losses and reduce the debilitating feelings of isolation and hopelessness that we know affect so many who experience pregnancy loss.”
Earlier this month, the Government committed to reviewing the results of the study and considering rollout of the model across NHS England as part of its renewed Women’s Health Strategy. Scotland has already begun embedding the model into its miscarriage pathway.
For families who have experienced loss, the message from Tommy’s is clear, earlier answers, earlier support and earlier action could make a lifechanging difference.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.