Testing, treatment and care for all
In Scotland, 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth.
The emotional impact can be devastating for couples and leaves so many unanswered questions.
There is still silence and shame around baby loss.
We need to break down the stigma and talk openly and honestly, this will help women and families to feel less alone, in addition to building greater awareness and more research to stop it happening.
Scotland is a progressive country and our healthcare should mirror that. Our pregnancy services have to improve nationally to provide dignified care for every pregnant woman.
Aims
- Open conversation and breakdown stigma of miscarriage.
- Investigation after one loss rather than after three losses. The context of the miscarriage would determine investigation ranging from a simple blood test to genetic testing.
- Support the development of three care packages tailored to 1, 2 and 3+ miscarriages, which would provide an individualised care plan tailored to a person or family’s needs.
- Offering progesterone when bleeding in pregnancy and the pregnancy is viable.
- Recognising the emotional and physical impact on women, increased awareness in society especially workplaces.
- An Early Pregnancy Unit in every hospital, open 7 days a week.
- Offering counselling service and follow up contact 4 weeks after miscarriage.
Outcomes
- NICE Guidelines to be changed – no need for a woman to have three recurring miscarriages before investigation.
- Increased NHS funding.
- Appropriate person-centred and trauma-informed training for NHS staff.
- A dignified and compassionate service.
- Free support services.
To share your experiences of miscarriage and to tell us what changes you would like to see in Scotland, please email changingmiscarriagecare@gmail.com.