Northern Ireland women left ‘on tenterhooks’ after multiple miscarriages, Queen’s study reveals

Women in Northern Ireland who have suffered multiple miscarriages face profound emotional distress, isolation and guilt, according to a new study led by Queen’s University Belfast.

The research, published today in BMC Women’s Health, sheds light on the experiences of women across Northern Ireland who were treated for miscarriage, revealing how social stigma and a lack of adequate support leave many feeling devastated and alone.

The study, led by Dr Áine Aventin, Senior Lecturer from the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s, examined the healthcare experiences and emotional needs of over 800 women who experienced miscarriage in the past five years.

A miscarriage — defined as the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks — affects an estimated 10–20% of pregnancies in Northern Ireland annually. Around 2.6% of women experience recurrent pregnancy loss, defined as two or more miscarriages.

Devastating Emotional Impact

Dr Aventin said the research highlights how women who experience repeated miscarriages endure “significant adverse impacts on psychological distress and wellbeing.”

“The results indicate that women who experience two or more miscarriages report significant adverse impacts on psychological distress and wellbeing, and experience repeated loss as devastating, isolating and guilt provoking,” she said.

“So, to support women’s reproductive health and rights, acknowledgement of the grief of pregnancy loss, and compassionate approaches to care during miscarriage and subsequent pregnancies are important in reducing adverse impacts on wellbeing.”

The study found that women live with what researchers describe as “devastating memories, anticipated loss and disenfranchised grief.”

Mental Health Concerns

The research also revealed that women who experience miscarriage are 1.5 times more likely to develop mental health difficulties.

For some participants, miscarriage was followed by conditions such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Several described feeling “not wanting to leave the house” and “crying all the time.”

Dr Martin Robinson, Lecturer in Psychological Trauma and Mental Health at Queen’s, said the findings underline the importance of early and compassionate support.

“These results highlight significant feelings of loss, isolation, guilt and devastation reported by women who experience recurrent pregnancy loss. By considering these emotional experiences rather than formal mental health diagnoses, we hope to better understand early signs of distress and find potentially valuable ways to offer support before emotional challenges become more severe.

“It is important that we support all parents’ wellbeing after miscarriages, and these findings highlight the need to acknowledge the potential risk for distress associated with recurrent pregnancy loss.”

‘On Tenterhooks’ During Pregnancy

Many women in the study described feeling “on tenterhooks” during subsequent pregnancies, overwhelmed by the fear of another loss.

Some spoke of “an awful time” marked by detachment and guilt, worsened by a sense that they were expected to cope alone.

One woman said she felt as if her miscarriage was her fault, while another described being told she should be prepared since she had “got the leaflet the last time.”

While some women reported deeply painful experiences in healthcare settings, others praised compassionate professionals who, they said, “couldn’t do enough” to support them through their loss.

Call for Compassionate Care

The findings highlight an urgent need for greater awareness, empathy and structured support for women and families affected by miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss.

Dr Aventin said acknowledging the grief associated with miscarriage and offering compassionate care can play a crucial role in reducing long-term psychological harm.

The research team hopes their findings will inform improvements in clinical practice and support networks across Northern Ireland, ensuring that no woman feels isolated or unsupported during or after miscarriage

Support Services in Northern Ireland

Women and families affected by miscarriage or pregnancy loss in Northern Ireland can access help and guidance from a range of support services.

The Miscarriage Association offers a helpline on 01924 200799 and online forums providing emotional support and information.

Sands Northern Ireland supports anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth and can be contacted via 028 9043 4848.

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust, as well as the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and other local trusts provide specialist bereavement midwives and counselling services, while GPs can refer individuals to mental health or grief counselling support where needed.