Did you know that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage? Read the latest statistics with expert insights into miscarriages.
Miscarriage is a common but often unspoken issue that impacts around 10-20% of confirmed pregnancies, causing significant concern for numerous families. Unfortunately, conversations about miscarriage are infrequent and scarce despite its prevalence.
"Miscarriage is a common and often distressing experience that affects about 1 in 10 known pregnancies. Dr. Zev Williams, a leading specialist in reproductive endocrinology, emphasises the importance of understanding that miscarriage is usually not a result of something the individual did or didn't do.
He notes, 'Most miscarriages are caused by genetic abnormalities in the embryo that are beyond anyone's control.' Raising awareness and providing accurate information can help those affected navigate this challenging time with more support and less stigma."
Our statistics article will create awareness and provide ample resources on the causes, effects, and what to consider when trying to conceive.
Key miscarriage statistics
- About 1 in 100 women experience recurrent miscarriages, defined as three or more consecutive losses.2
- Each minute, 44 pregnancy losses take place worldwide, equating to approximately 23 million miscarriages each year.7
- Incorrect chromosome count during fertilisation is the cause of approximately 70% of cases.6
- Over 15-30% of pregnancies result in miscarriage, with some occurring before the individual is even aware they are expecting.1-4
- While medical progressions advance our ability to prevent and manage such events, one must not overlook how early intervention plays a vital role in making an impactful difference since nearly 80% of them occur within the first trimester, thus emphasising the importance of proper gestational monitoring from conception.5
- For women in the age group of 50-74 who have had a miscarriage, there is a higher risk of heart attack by 40%.6
- 80% of miscarriages occur in the first trimester before reaching the 12th week of pregnancy.1
- It is projected that the miscarriage market, valued at $4.12 million in 2022, will reach a staggering $6.75 million by 2030 with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2022 to 2030.9
- Between the 13th and 19th weeks of pregnancy, approximately 1 to 5% of pregnancies result in a miscarriage.1
General miscarriage statistics
Dr. Ruth Lathi, a reproductive endocrinologist at Stanford University, notes, "Recurrent pregnancy loss can be devastating, but advances in genetic testing and reproductive medicine are offering new hope to many couples." She stresses the importance of seeking medical advice early to explore potential treatments and supportive care options.
- Each minute, 44 pregnancy losses take place worldwide, equating to approximately 23 million miscarriages each year.7
- 80% of miscarriages occur in the first trimester before reaching the 12th week of pregnancy.1
- Between the 13th and 19th weeks of pregnancy, approximately 1 to 5% of pregnancies result in a miscarriage.1
According to Dr. Donna Neale, an obstetrician, gynaecologist, and maternal-foetal medicine specialist, "A stillbirth refers to the death of a fetus at or after the 20th week of pregnancy. This term distinguishes it from a miscarriage, which occurs before the 20th week." Stillbirths can happen before labour begins or during labour and delivery. Understanding the precise cause can be challenging; sometimes, it remains unknown even after extensive testing and autopsies.
- Over 15-30% of pregnancies result in miscarriage, with some occurring before the individual is even aware they are expecting.1-4
- In the case of an incomplete miscarriage, while a pregnancy loss has occurred, not all foetal tissue is expelled from the body. Symptoms such as bleeding and cramping suggestive of miscarriage may persist.1
- Recurrent pregnancy loss, also known as repeated miscarriages, refers to the occurrence of two consecutive losses of pregnancies. It affects approximately one out of every hundred pregnant individuals (1%).1
- For women in the age group of 50-74 who have had a miscarriage, there is a higher risk of heart attack by 40%.6
- Regardless of their pregnancy history or number, girls between the ages of 12 and 19 who become pregnant face a miscarriage risk of 13%.6
- There is a 20% chance of experiencing a second miscarriage.1
- Following two consecutive miscarriages, there is a heightened likelihood of an additional loss occurring, with approximately 28% ending in miscarriage.1
- If someone experiences three or more consecutive miscarriages, their chance of another miscarriage is roughly 43%.1
- Approximately 70% of all miscarriages occur due to an incorrect number of chromosomes in the embryo.1
- Ectopic pregnancies account for 1.25% of all pregnancies.2
- In 2021, there was a foetal mortality rate of 5.68% per 1000 women. Early-stage incidences accounted for 2.93% of this figure, while later-stage occurrences comprised the remaining percentage at 2.77%.6
- 70% of miscarriage risk is associated with experiencing morning sickness.6
- If conception occurs right before or on the day of ovulation, there can be a 50% reduction in early pregnancy loss.6
- Less than 4% of women have experienced miscarriages twice, while only fewer than 1% report having gone through the same ordeal three times.6
Antenatal Case Study
An antenatal clinic at a tertiary hospital in Victoria, Australia, conducted a two-year study. The participants included asymptomatic women who visited the antenatal centre between six and 11 weeks gestation. During this first appointment, office ultrasonography confirmed foetal cardiac activity for one foetus only.
The risk of miscarriage for all individuals involved in the research was above 1.6%. However, this danger decreased quickly as the pregnancy progressed: 9.4% at six weeks (completed), 4.2% at seven weeks, and so on until it reached only 0.7% by ten weeks.
The majority of those who experienced a miscarriage were informed several weeks after their initial visit through an ultrasound diagnosis; precisely 45% got diagnosed during trimester two or later, while nearly everyone received confirmation past ten gestational age except one person who did sooner than that time frame altogether upon evaluation with imaging testing results available to assess them properly regarding foetal viability concerns without ambiguity whatsoever per medical standards protocol being consulted according to guidelines set forth among professionals such like obstetrics and gynaecology experts worldwide alike.
The results showed that asymptomatic women have a low risk of experiencing miscarriage after their first antenatal visit between 6 and 11 weeks, with the probability being less than or equal to 1.6%. This likelihood is exceptionally high if they attend during or beyond the eighth week of gestation. Such statistics may alleviate these women's concerns by indicating that chances of advancing beyond twenty weeks are highly optimistic.
Numerous genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors influence the occurrence of miscarriage.
Dr. Mary E. D'Alton, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center, says, "Early and comprehensive prenatal care is crucial for identifying and mitigating risk factors associated with miscarriage. Regular monitoring and timely interventions can greatly enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy."
While medical progressions advance our ability to prevent and manage such events, early intervention plays a vital role in making an impactful difference since nearly 80% of miscarriages occur within the first trimester, emphasising the importance of proper gestational monitoring from conception.1
Factors influencing miscarriage statistics
Around 15% of all pregnancies may end in miscarriage, causing considerable worry for soon-to-be parents.4 Understanding the underlying causes is imperative to promote reproductive health and help those impacted by such an emotional experience.
Dr. Siobhan Dolan, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, explains, "Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid disorders or uncontrolled diabetes, can significantly increase the risk of miscarriage. Identifying and managing these conditions early on is vital to improving pregnancy outcomes."
Chromosomal problems, such as those commonly found in the first trimester of pregnancy, are a frequent cause of miscarriage.
- A blighted ovum occurs when the body implants an embryo that does not progress into a viable foetus.1
- Intrauterine foetal demise denotes the cessation of an embryo's growth and its subsequent death.1
- A molar pregnancy is characterised by the development of a grape-like tumour or structure in the uterus at the onset of gestation due to an abnormal proliferation of tissue.1
- When a portion of one chromosome shifts to another, it is called translocation. This genetic anomaly leads to a limited frequency of recurrent miscarriages.1
- Various other chromosome problems include anencephaly, trisomy's (which may lead to Down syndrome), renal agenesis, and hydrops (a form of thalassemia).1
The figure above shows interesting points; however, why are miscarriages highest among the black community?’ Several factors contribute to higher miscarriage rates among people from Black ethnic backgrounds.
Access to quality prenatal care, an essential step for early detection and management of pregnancy complications, is often restricted due to socioeconomic challenges. There is less frequent monitoring and delayed treatment may result from healthcare disparities.
The prevalence of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in black communities can elevate the likelihood of miscarriage. The issue is also influenced by environmental factors such as pollution and ongoing stress stemming from racial discrimination and socioeconomic struggles. Miscarriage risk is further increased by genetic conditions, like sickle cell disease, which are more common in Black communities.
Dr. Elizabeth Howell, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, notes, "Addressing the higher miscarriage rates among Black women requires a multifaceted approach, including improving access to quality prenatal care, addressing healthcare disparities, and managing preexisting health conditions. Understanding and mitigating these factors is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes."
- 6.4% of women with a medical background of hypothyroidism experience miscarriages.6
- Similarly, autoimmune disorders and mental health disorders were affecting 3.2% and 2.9% of pregnancies, respectively.6
- Active smoking was reported by 17% of the women who experienced early pregnancy loss.6
- The risk may increase by 128% due to induced abortion.6
- Following the most recent abortion, there is a 6% chance of experiencing miscarriage in the subsequent pregnancy.6
Dr. Renita White, MD, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, explains that vanishing twin syndrome occurs when one twin is miscarried and absorbed by the surviving twin, the placenta, or the mother’s body. This can happen very early in pregnancy, often before the individual is even aware they are carrying twins. The detection of vanishing twin syndrome is usually through ultrasound, where an initial scan shows multiple embryos, but a subsequent scan reveals only one.
Dr. White notes that "Vanishing twin syndrome is a relatively common occurrence, particularly in pregnancies involving in vitro fertilization (IVF), where early ultrasounds are more frequent. Approximately 36% of twin pregnancies and up to 33% of IVF pregnancies with multiples are affected by this condition."
The condition often goes unnoticed as it may not present significant symptoms or might resemble common first-trimester pregnancy issues such as light bleeding, cramps, or pelvic pain. While it is usually harmless and doesn't affect the surviving twin or the mother's health in the first trimester, it may require closer monitoring if it happens later in pregnancy.
Financial considerations for miscarriage statistics
Miscarriage-related expenses could consist of bills for emergency medical care, follow-up sessions, and surgeries if necessary, while indirect costs may include work absences and mental health services. It is unfortunate that the financial implications often receive inadequate attention.
- It is projected that the miscarriage market, valued at $4.12 million in 2022, will reach a staggering $6.75 million by 2030 with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2022 to 2030.9
- It is estimated that the cost to the U.K. economy due to miscarriages amounts to £471 million annually in terms of short-term impact.7
- The cost for a D&C (dilation and curettage - a procedure that involves expanding the cervix and scraping tissue from inside the uterus, often following a miscarriage) can vary significantly between $709 and over $15,149.8
- The cost of a D&C in the first trimester can amount to $1,103-$8,507. If you experience a miscarriage during the second trimester, this expense may somewhat decrease and fall within the range of $998-$7,864.8
Interestingly, the cost of a D&C procedure increases based on the trimester stages. Dr. Soma Mandal, MD, explains that the cost of a D&C procedure varies with the stage of pregnancy due to several factors. The procedure is typically more straightforward in the first trimester and can often be performed in a doctor's office or clinic, leading to lower costs.
In contrast, a D&C performed in the second trimester generally requires more complex surgical techniques, anaesthesia, and possibly a hospital setting, contributing to higher costs. Additionally, the need for advanced medical care and monitoring increases as the pregnancy progresses, further impacting the overall expense.
Dr. Jessica Zucker, a Los Angeles-based psychologist specialising in women's reproductive and maternal mental health, says, "Miscarriages not only carry a heavy emotional burden but also come with unexpected financial challenges. Healthcare providers must discuss these potential costs with patients and provide resources to support them through this difficult time."
To make your fertility journey easier, book a free consultation with Cada.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. What treatments are available for a miscarriage that is missed or incomplete?
- There are three choices available for addressing a miscarriage:
- Natural (allowing the body to handle it on its own)
- Medical (using medication such as tablets or pessaries to induce a miscarriage)
- Surgical (removing remaining pregnancy tissue with anaesthesia).10
Q2. What distinguishes late miscarriage from second or third-trimester loss?
These terms all refer to a pregnancy where the baby dies between 14 weeks and 23 weeks and six days. Individuals who have gone through this experience don’t prefer specific terminology, and many feel that the word ‘miscarriage’ doesn’t quite fit, particularly for later losses. More respondents were comfortable with the term ‘second-trimester loss,’ which is commonly used.10
Q3. What is the best time to try and have another baby?
To decrease the chances of infection, it's advisable to abstain from penetrative sex until there is no more bleeding. Afterwards, you can engage in sexual activity whenever both partners feel prepared unless advised otherwise after a late miscarriage, ectopic, or molar pregnancy. Waiting for the first period might make dating another pregnancy simpler but will not impact the probability of experiencing another miscarriage.10
Q4. How long does a miscarriage last?
The duration of a miscarriage can vary from several hours to multiple weeks, contingent on factors such as the gestation stage, type of miscarriage encountered, and management procedures employed. Afterward, you may experience slight bleeding for up to 14 days.11
Q5. Is there anything you can do to prevent a miscarriage?
You couldn't have taken any measures to avoid a miscarriage since the majority of them occur randomly due to genetic defects. Unfortunately, it's beyond prevention limits.
Nevertheless, suppose there is more than one factor in this situation that matches your age. In that case, medical examinations may be conducted by specialists aiming at detecting alternative reasons for these occurrences.12
