Adults who’ve experienced miscarriages not offered any kind of counselling

New research has revealed that the vast majority of adults in the UK who’ve experienced a miscarriage aren’t or can’t recall being offered counselling. The study found that 82% of those who experienced a miscarriage with a  current or ex-partner were not, or did not recall, being able to access bereavement care or mental health support after their miscarriage. In addition, three in five (60%) say they/ their partner weren’t offered a follow up appointment to discuss their mental wellbeing with a health professional following their miscarriage.

The online research – which has been conducted by YouGov to coincide with a new film on Channel 5 called Miscarriage: Our Story – also shows that more than half (55%) of those who’ve experienced a miscarriage with a current or ex-partner said they/ their partner struggled to talk to friends and family, and almost half (47%) said they found it difficult to talk to their own partner about the miscarriage. Furthermore, just over two in five (42%) agreed that going through a miscarriage felt more isolating than any isolation they experience as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new film on Channel 5 called ‘Miscarriage: Our Story’ airs tonight, and features a series of high profile names talking candidly about their experiences of miscarriage, including Natasha Kaplinsky and Eastenders actress, Lacey Turner. The programme is also being supported Tommy’s, the UKs largest charity funding research into the causes of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

Aston spoke to author Jessica Hepburn and Professor Siobhan Quenby, leading resarcher at pregnancy charity Tommy’s to discuss the research in further, offer advice and also about the new film that is airing tonight on Channel 5.