Women in Scotland are set to receive better and more standardised miscarriage care over the next two years, following the launch of a new framework backed by £1.5 million. The plan aims to expand access to early pregnancy support, ensuring women get the care they need without unnecessary delays.
A New Model for Miscarriage Support
Health boards across Scotland have been tasked with introducing a graded model of miscarriage care within the next 15 months. The goal? To make early pregnancy care more accessible and provide support for those experiencing recurrent miscarriage, regardless of location.
For years, women have often had to suffer through multiple miscarriages before receiving medical attention. This framework changes that. Women will no longer have to wait until a third miscarriage to access specialist care, a move hailed as a major breakthrough by medical professionals and advocacy groups alike.
Charities Applaud Landmark Framework
The publication of this framework marks a significant moment in UK healthcare. It follows recommendations made in 2021 by The Lancet, which called for a complete overhaul of miscarriage care.
Vicki Robinson, chief executive of the Miscarriage Association, described it as a “crucial milestone” and welcomed the steps taken to ensure compassionate, high-quality care.
- The framework is the first of its kind in the UK.
- It focuses on evidence-based care and early intervention.
- The Miscarriage Association and other charities have contributed to its development.
Kat Abrahams, CEO of pregnancy charity Tommy’s, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of having “compassionate care at its heart.” Tommy’s has worked closely with the Scottish government throughout the development process and will continue to support its implementation.
Privacy and Access Improvements
Ensuring privacy for those experiencing pregnancy loss is another key part of the framework. All miscarriage care will be provided in private spaces designed for bereavement. While most of Scotland’s health boards already have such facilities, efforts are underway to ensure every board meets this standard as soon as possible.
The framework also mandates improvements in accessibility:
- A 24/7 telephone advice service for women experiencing miscarriage symptoms.
- A seven-day early pregnancy assessment service with same-day appointments.
- Strengthening of data collection to better understand and prevent miscarriages.
The Role of Progesterone in Preventing Miscarriages
Research has suggested that progesterone supplements can help prevent early miscarriages in certain cases. The Scottish government has now published guidance on the use of progesterone for women who have had at least one previous miscarriage and are experiencing early pregnancy bleeding.
Current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommendations support progesterone use for women in these situations, particularly when an ultrasound confirms viability. Ministers expect this guidance to be fully implemented within six months.
Public health minister Jenni Minto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that women who need progesterone can access it without unnecessary delays.
Expanding Public Awareness and Support
Alongside the framework, three new patient leaflets have been released for individuals affected by miscarriage, as well as their partners. NHS Inform’s miscarriage support pages have also been significantly expanded to offer more detailed guidance and reassurance.
Public Health Scotland will play a vital role in tracking the impact of these changes, particularly given the estimated 25,000 miscarriages occurring in Scotland each year. By improving the quality of data collection, officials hope to identify trends and enhance preventative measures in the future.
