Three in ten women giving birth have previously experienced at least one miscarriage and one in ten have been through two or more, according to a first-of-its-kind study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The report ‘Pregnancy loss in Australia: a data scoping study’ collected data from five states and territories to get a better understanding of pregnancy loss before 20 weeks gestation.
Its findings reveal the prevalence of pregnancy loss and a need for more data so health and treatment outcomes can be improved.
“Pregnancy loss is a deeply personal experience that touches the lives of many women and families,” said AIHW spokesperson Deanna Eldridge.
“Our study shows that previous pregnancy loss is a common experience among women giving birth.
“Recognising this can ensure care during pregnancy and birth reflects people’s circumstances, needs and experiences.
“However, gaps in national data on pregnancy loss prevalence and care mean there’s still much to learn about these experiences.”
The report also shows that in the five years leading up to 2025, there were up to 37,000 admissions at hospitals for pregnancy loss.
As much as 80 per cent of these were at public hospitals.
Women aged 30 to 39 accounted for about 60 per cent of pregnancy loss-related hospitalisations.
Hospital data shows miscarriage as the most common type of pregnancy loss, followed by ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilised egg grows outside the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube.
Around four in five pregnancy loss-related hospitalisations were for miscarriage.
Miscarriage was the most common type of pregnancy loss recorded in hospital data, accounting for around 4 in 5 pregnancy loss-related hospitalisations, followed by ectopic pregnancy.
“While pregnancy loss affects many Australians, some experiences have limited visibility in the data, including those of people who do not access health services or who receive care only through general practice,” said Ms Eldridge.
“The study recommends practical steps towards more comprehensive and consistent monitoring, including in primary care.
“Better data will support policy and service delivery that reflect the experiences, care needs and outcomes of those affected by pregnancy loss in Australia.”
The report is part of an effort to fill health data gaps through a national sexual and reproductive health (SRH) monitoring framework led by the AIHW.
Connecting with support
Miscarriage Australia says although pregnancy loss is common, it can be a confusing and overwhelming experience and it is different for everyone.
Because of this, it’s very important for people to approach it with care.
The weeks, months and even years after pregnancy loss can be very difficult for people going through it as they navigate the physical toll along with the compounding effects of grief.
Organisations like Pink Elephants and Red Nose (details listed below) offer critical support and resources that can help those trying to process pregnancy loss.
Leaning on trusted relatives or loved ones and connecting with professional support can make a world of difference.
Need support around pregnancy loss, please see:
- Red Nose Grief and Loss Support|1300 308 307
- Pink Elephants Pregnancy Loss Helpline|1300 726 306
- Lifeline|13 11 14
- Griefline|1300 845 745