A new care scheme in the UK could prevent thousands of miscarriages each year by offering early scans and progesterone treatment to women at risk. The initiative, currently being piloted in several NHS hospitals, aims to reduce the number of miscarriages by identifying and treating women with recurrent pregnancy loss earlier.
Lisa Varey, who experienced two miscarriages, said she felt she had to wait for a third before qualifying for help. Under current guidelines, women typically only receive specialist care after three consecutive miscarriages. The new scheme would lower this threshold, providing support after just two losses.
Progesterone, a hormone that supports pregnancy, has been shown in studies to reduce miscarriage risk in women with early bleeding and a history of miscarriage. The pilot includes early ultrasound scans to detect potential problems sooner.
If successful, the scheme could be rolled out nationwide, potentially preventing up to 8,000 miscarriages per year, according to estimates from the NHS and charity Tommy's. The pilot is part of a broader effort to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the emotional toll of recurrent miscarriage.
