Miscarriage is the most common pregnancy complication in the UK.  At least 1 in 5 families will experience the devastating loss of a baby through miscarriage in their lifetime. A further 1 in 100 will experience the heartbreak of 3 or more miscarriages, known as ‘recurrent miscarriage’. Even today, miscarriage is often dismissed as ‘nature’s way’ or ‘not meant to be’. At Tommy’s we believe this just isn’t good enough. Across the UK our dedicated researchers, doctors, nurses and midwives are pioneering breakthroughs, improving care, and saving lives.

We opened Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research in April 2016. The Centre is a collaboration between 3 top research universities and 4 hospitals and is the largest of its kind in Europe.

Previous Tommy’s research at the Centre found 1 in 3 women had symptoms of PTSD 1 month after a miscarriage, and 1 in 3 had symptoms of moderate/severe anxiety. At 9 months, 1 in 5 women still had symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both. Our researchers at Imperial College London have now embarked on a new multi-year project to support women after pregnancy loss.

Tommy’s researchers are carrying out a series of clinical trials to challenge long-standing taboos surrounding pregnancy loss and mental health, and provide women with cost-effective, scalable, treatment options to reduce their emotional suffering. Currently, there is no evidence to inform guidance, screening, and treatment for women in need of support. We hope this project will transform the mental health care women receive following miscarriage, ensuring no women have to face this trauma alone.

Tommy’s is incredibly grateful for the Gamesys Foundation’s recent donation towards our vital miscarriage and mental health research. This generous donation is helping us find the best possible treatments for women in the UK who are experiencing mental distress following the loss of a pregnancy. Together, we aim to provide better care for these women, greatly improving their long-term mental health. Our warmest of thanks to the Trustees for their wonderful support!