MOST women and birthing people in the UK must go through three or more miscarriages before the NHS provides support, tests, and treatment, a new report from Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research has found.
Tommy’s researchers carried out a pilot study at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital, testing a new Graded Model of Miscarriage Care, finding that offering follow-up care from the first miscarriage could save more than 10,000 pregnancy losses every year in the UK.
Tommy’s Graded Model of Miscarriage Care
The new graded model offers proactive and evidence-based support from the first miscarriage.
It functions as follows: after someone’s first loss, they will be offered advice on reducing risk factors, mental health signposting, and information on progesterone supplements for future pregnancies.
After a second loss, people will be offered the same support as well as blood tests (followed by referrals if necessary) and reassurance scans in future pregnancies.
After a third miscarriage, people will be offered the above care and further blood tests and pelvic scans in a consultant-led clinic.
The study, led by Professor Arri Coomarasamy, found the model to be achievable, restore dignity to miscarriage care, and save neonatal lives.
The model did not significantly impact workload, with 93% of healthcare professionals finding it straightforward to deliver.
It was also favourable for patient care: of the 203 women with a history of one or more miscarriages, who were treated according to the graded model, 99% were satisfied or very satisfied with the care offered.
The graded model helped identify risk factors and medical conditions including anaemia and thyroid issues, reducing the likelihood of women experiencing a subsequent miscarriage (compared to the usual care group).
In fact, at least one modifiable risk factor was identified in 86% of women in the graded model group, compared with 58% in the usual care group.
Data revealed that 10,075 miscarriages could be prevented per year following implementation of the new model.
Implementation Across the NHS
Arri Coomarasamy, Director, Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Birmingham, UK, said: “That’s thousands of families bringing their babies home instead of suffering the trauma of a pregnancy loss.”
It has already been adopted by Scotland, but Tommy’s researchers are calling for a national rollout of the graded model across the UK.
Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive, Tommy’s, said: “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.”
Within the renewed Women’s Health Strategy, the government have committed to reviewing the results of the pilot study and considering the rollout of the Tommy’s Graded Model of Miscarriage Care.
Reference
Tommy’s. Tommy’s graded model of miscarriage care: a framework for consistent care and support after each miscarriage. 2026. Available at: https://www.tommys.org/gradedmodel. Last accessed: 7 May 2026.
Featured image: Serhii Prystupa on Adobe Stock
