The care that women receive following a miscarriage during the second trimester of pregnancy varies according to where in the UK and Ireland the woman is treated, new research shows.
The study, led by the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Manchester, University College Cork and University of Birmingham, was funded by Tommy’s, the pregnancy and baby charity, and published in The European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology.
Led by Dr Andrea Woolner, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and Honorary Consultant Obstetrician & Early Pregnancy Lead at NHS Grampian, the team looked at survey responses from 116 healthcare professionals working in maternity services in the UK and Ireland.
Second trimester pregnancy loss (STPL) usually refers to pregnancy loss, or miscarriage after 12 or 13 weeks’ gestation. It is estimated to occur in around 3 to 4% of pregnancies. However, this study showed the definition used to describe STPL in healthcare settings varies considerably within the UK and Ireland.
Findings revealed that there is inconsistency and uncertainty around medications used following second trimester pregnancy loss (STPL), which the authors state reflects the lack of research into this devastating type of loss.
For example, almost two thirds of healthcare professionals surveyed (63%) acknowledged they were uncertain about the optimal dosage of misoprostol – a drug that can be given following STPL to induce birth – that should be used, likely due to a lack of research in this area, according to the authors.
Researchers also found that care was given in different hospital wards and not always within maternity settings in different parts of the UK and Ireland. The authors say this highlights the need to consider how hospitals are set up for couples experiencing STPL, and to consider what the optimal referral pathways and infrastructure needs are. The team intends to carry out further research exploring views of those with lived experience of STPL.
Following treatment in hospital, fewer than half (45%) of respondents reported that follow-up appointments took place in a dedicated pregnancy loss clinic. Many women were offered follow up in preterm birth clinics, though the research team notes this wasn’t always universal either as not every STPL involves a preterm labour.
There is a growing body of evidence that shows structured care in a dedicated pregnancy loss clinic is the best option for couples who have experienced a stillbirth (when a baby sadly dies after 24 weeks of pregnancy), and researchers say the findings of the study underline the inconsistencies faced by families who lose a baby at different stages of pregnancy.
They also noted there was variation in the investigations and care offered in the next pregnancy after a second trimester loss.
“The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England. The main campus is south of Manchester City Centre on Oxford Road.”
Please visit the firm link to site
