We are strongly encouraged by a pilot study showing that offering early care and advice to women who have experienced miscarriage could prevent further miscarriages.

The research, conducted by Birmingham Women and Children’s Hospital, compared the pregnancy outcomes in 203 women who had previously experienced miscarriage. This was a pilot study for Tommy’s Graded Model of Miscarriage Care, a framework for offering women consistent care and support after each miscarriage.

In the study, half of the women were given standard NHS care, which offers specialist care only after a woman’s third miscarriage. The remaining half were offered support and care after their first miscarriage. The level of care progressed after each baby loss.

The results showed that women who had received this early intervention had slightly fewer miscarriages. With one in five pregnancies ending in miscarriage in the UK, the researchers believe their care model could potentially prevent around 10,000 miscarriages in the UK.

Consultant Endocrinologist and BTF Trustee, Professor Kristien Boelaert, said: ‘It is very encouraging that trial participants were offered thyroid function testing after their second miscarriage. Abnormal thyroid function can lead to pregnancy loss and infertility.

‘We want to reassure women that with appropriate monitoring and management of thyroid levels most will be able to have a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.’

Whilst routine thyroid function screening is not recommended for women trying to conceive and in pregnancy, women who are being treated for a thyroid condition should see their doctor and have their thyroid function checked in conception and pregnancy.

Women who are at risk of developing abnormal thyroid function in pregnancy should also have a blood test to check their thyroid function in early pregnancy. At-risk women include:

• Women with a history of thyroid disease or surgery for thyroid disease
• Previous abnormal thyroid levels
• Positive thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies
• Enlarged thyroid gland or thyroid nodule
• Taking medication which disrupts thyroid function e.g., lithium, amiodarone,
• Autoimmune conditions with obstetric complications, such as Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Previous late pregnancy loss

Professor Boelaert added: ‘We very much hope this trial will encourage a wider adoption of this care model. Helping to address treatable health issues, including abnormal thyroid function, will potentially spare many women the distress of pregnancy loss.’

Further information and support

Our pregnancy resources explain how thyroid function should be managed before, during and after pregnancy.

Read our pregnancy guidance

Read about Tommy’s Graded Model of Miscarriage Care 

Baby loss support

 30 April 2026