Northern Ireland has launched a Baby Loss Certificate scheme for parents experiencing pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. The scheme, introduced by the Department of Finance, aims to formally recognize these losses and offer comfort to bereaved parents, as there was previously no formal acknowledgment for such events.
A study by Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research and Birmingham Women's Hospital found that providing specialised care after a woman's first miscarriage could prevent approximately 10,000 pregnancy losses annually across the UK. The research, involving 406 women, showed a 4% reduction in future miscarriage risk when women received the graded model of care compared to usual care. Currently, NHS specialist care is only available after three miscarriages in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while Scotland already operates the graded model. Women receiving specialist care were 47% more likely to have risk factors identified and advised upon.
Research by Tommy's charity shows a graded model of care offering tests and support after a woman's first miscarriage could prevent approximately 10,075 pregnancy losses annually in the UK. The study found 86% of women under the graded model had risk factors detected compared to 58% in standard care, with the measures potentially saving the NHS over £40m in its first year.
