12,000 women a year suffer miscarriages... ease their agony now

CAMPAIGNERS have demanded urgent support for women who miscarry – as shocking figures reveal around 12,000 Scots lose a baby every year.

Last month the Scottish Government launched a women’s health plan, which committed extra support for women’s health problems, including miscarriage.

In particular, it pledged to create a new ‘dignified, compassionate miscarriage service tailored to the needs of women’ which would include ‘individualised care plans’ after losing a baby.

Despite the radical plans being welcomed with much fanfare, it will not be ready until next year.

Now, women’s health experts have said the proposals need to be rolled out as a matter of urgency.

Last night, Jane Brewin, CEO of pregnancy research charity Tommy’s, said: ‘We need a whole new approach to miscarriage care – not only to prevent it wherever possible, but also to better support those who do sadly lose their babies.

‘So it’s great to see the Scottish Government committing to take forward our Miscarriage Matters recommendations as part of their women’s health plan.’ But she added: ‘The right care can reduce the risk of miscarriage, and the right support can help parents to cope if they experience loss, but currently this help isn’t reaching everyone who needs it – this can and must change.’

Lisa Kitching, director of Edinburgh-based pregnancy fitness programme Baby Fit, said help was needed for the women who are currently struggling.

She said: ‘Aside from the great work of some charities, there is very little emotional help for women and their partners going through this awful experience.

‘It’s definitely welcome that the Scottish Government has recognised this, but it will need to go beyond paid leave and the promise of better services.

‘We need to see urgent action to ensure every woman who suffers a miscarriage can access the help they need.’

According to the Scottish Public Health Observatory, at least one in every five pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Figures show that last year, there were 46,809 births in

Scotland, with around 11,700 miscarriages. Those latest estimates suggest many women are likely to miscarry in their lifetime and it can be extremely traumatic.

Research shows miscarriage doubles the risk of depression and quadruples the risk of suicide.

After three miscarriages, women are more likely to suffer serious physical side effects, including blood clots and heart disease. In response to concerns about a lack of support for women who miscarry, the Government included updated plans for tailored babyloss services in its recent four-year women’s health plan.

The report read: ‘The Scottish Government is committed to establishing a dignified, compassionate miscarriage service tailored to the needs of women.

‘This includes supporting the development of individualised care plans after a woman’s first miscarriage.’ But it added that improved services would only be available across NHS boards next year.

According to Ms Kitching, it should be rolled out immediately.

For mother Amy Falconer, who has experienced miscarriage four times, the support would have been invaluable.

The 38-year-old, from Edinburgh, said: ‘It’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. There was just no support whatsoever. I was absolutely traumatised by it, but you just get sent home to deal with it. You’re completely alone.’

She added: ‘The very least women in this situation should get is an assessment with a professional and access to tests to find out what went wrong, and psychological help to deal with the death of a baby.’

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: ‘The loss of a baby, no matter at what stage of pregnancy, is a significant and traumatic event that affects many women and their families throughout Scotland.

‘It is vital that women and their families who have experienced a miscarriage are provided with the right information, care and support taking into account their individual circumstances.’

‘There was no support. You just get sent home’