Couples' experiences of managing recurrent pregnancy loss
Research type
Research Study
Full title
'Why can’t we have all available tests and treatments on the NHS?’: Couples' experiences and understanding about the management of recurrent pregnancy loss
IRAS ID
201383
Contact name
Meenakshi Choudhary
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The most common adverse outcome of pregnancy is miscarriage; with recurrent miscarriage affecting 1-2% couples. It has a devastating impact on women and their partners; both on their psychological aspect and their quality of life. In the UK, based on evidence quoted in Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidance for the management of patients with first trimester recurrent miscarriage, only limited investigations and treatments are offered within the NHS setting for women suffering with first trimester recurrent miscarriages.
Despite undergoing investigation, around 50% of couples with recurrent miscarriage may not have a cause for their condition identified, leading to frustration as no further tests or effective treatment can be offered to them within the NHS. The emotional turmoil of experiencing recurrent miscarriages, substantiated with a strong desire to go to any extent in order to achieve a live birth, leads to couples seeking investigations and treatments which are not currently recommended, but are available from private clinics. This is despite a lack of evidence for these preventing another miscarriage and with the possibility of associated unknown or potentially harmful effects on both the woman and the pregnancy.
Little is known of the couples’ understanding about the different options available for managing recurrent miscarriage. This study aims to address this crucial question by investigating couples’ experiences and understanding of recurrent miscarriage management and to subsequently develop an understanding about what is required to support them. This study could also help clinicians to provide patients with essential information tailored to aid their understanding and assist the couples’ decision-making with regards to their management.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0298
Date of REC Opinion
28 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion