Miscarriage in the UK
Miscarriage Association research report – March 2026
About the research
An estimated one in four pregnancies in the UK ends in loss. Yet many women and their partners still face gaps in care, understanding and recognition at one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.
To better understand these experiences, we carried out a national survey exploring the experience of miscarriage across healthcare settings, workplaces and personal relationships.
More than 1,000 people affected by pre-24-week pregnancy loss shared their experiences, providing a detailed picture of how miscarriage is currently experienced across the UK.
Their responses highlight important gaps in care, support and awareness — and the changes needed to ensure no one faces pregnancy loss without the compassion and support they deserve.
What our research found
Across healthcare, workplaces and society, our research revealed significant inconsistencies in care, information and support for people experiencing pregnancy loss.
Healthcare
Experiences of miscarriage care varied significantly across the UK.
While some respondents described compassionate and supportive healthcare professionals, many reported gaps in information, follow-up care and access to appropriate services.
“All the care I did receive was fantastic, compassionate and thorough but no one has checked on my mental wellbeing, despite it being my 2nd miscarriage and having a history of depression and antidepressants.”
Alice
Common themes included:
- Lack of clear information about miscarriage and treatment options
- Inconsistent access to scans, investigations and Early Pregnancy Units (EPUs)
- Miscommunication or conflicting advice
- Little or no follow-up care after pregnancy loss
For many respondents, the absence of follow-up support left them feeling isolated and uncertain about both their physical recovery and emotional wellbeing.
65%
of women told us they did not receive adequate follow-up care after miscarriage
Over 68%
experienced mental health problems related to their pregnancy loss
42%
wanted mental health support following their loss but were not offered any
Workplaces
Most respondents were in employment when they experienced their loss.
Although many felt supported by colleagues on a personal level, formal workplace support was often limited or unclear.
“They forced me to take any time I had off as holiday. Even the day I had my appointment to go into hospital for the medical management had to be used as holiday. They wouldn’t allow any sick leave or compassionate leave at all.”
Olivia
Respondents frequently described:
- Workplaces without a pregnancy loss policy
- Limited awareness of pregnancy-related sickness rights
- Uncertainty about taking time off after miscarriage
- Concerns that disclosing their loss could affect their career
For some, the absence of clear policies or guidance meant navigating miscarriage while also worrying about work expectations and job security.
4 in 5
respondents were in employment when they experienced their loss
57%
received no formal workplace support after disclosing their loss
79%
were not made aware of their entitlement to pregnancy related sickness at work
Society and relationships
Many respondents described strong support from family and friends in the immediate aftermath of their loss.
However, experiences often changed over time.
People frequently spoke about:
- Friends or family feeling unsure how to respond
- Support fading as time passed
- A continuing stigma around miscarriage
These experiences highlight the ongoing need for greater public understanding and more open conversations about pregnancy loss.
Most respondents disclosed their pregnancy loss to family and friends
30%
disclosed to all family and friends
37%
shared their loss with most
31%
shared with a select few individuals
“I think there’s a big stigma around pregnancy loss – I didn’t tell anyone at work or most of my friends and family about it, although now, 2 years and 1 baby later, I do feel like I should talk about it more, to make other people realise how common it is and give other people the space to talk about their own experiences.”