Experts develop online tool that predicts a woman's miscarriage risk

Experts have developed an online tool to predict a woman’s chances of a having a miscarriage.

The online calculator asks women a series of health questions and uses an algorithm to work out their likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

They are then offered given personalised advice on tests, treatment and lifestyle changes.

Researchers from the University of Warwick worked alongside Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research.

It uses information on age, BMI, number of previous miscarriages, polycystic ovaries diagnosis and number of previous live births – to accurately determine the probability of a successful next pregnancy.

Professor Siobhan Quenby, a consultant at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, analysed data from people who attended the Coventry Miscarriage Clinic.

Researchers from the University of Warwick worked alongside Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research. It uses information on age, BMI, number of previous miscarriages, polycystic ovaries diagnosis and number of previous live births – to accurately determine the probability of a successful next pregnancy

The online calculator asks women a series of health questions and uses an algorithm to work out their likelihood of a successful pregnancy

Researchers from the University of Warwick worked alongside Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research. It gathers information including date of birth, location and ethnicity

The tool also gathers information on height and weight to calculate miscarriage risk, along with number of previous miscarriages, polycystic ovaries diagnosis and number of previous live births

She said: ‘In my experience, parents often feel so anxious after their miscarriage experience that it’s difficult to have the confidence to try again.

‘This fantastic tool gives information and support to help them as they consider a next pregnancy.’

Treatment and testing for miscarriage causes varies across the UK, with women in some parts of the country not offered the care they are entitled to, charities warn.

They hope the tool will allow everyone accessible advice and support they need for their pregnancy.

Researchers said the data it generates will also assist the understanding the factors that increase the risk of miscarriage.

Sharon Dhliwayo, who has previously experienced a miscarriage, a stillbirth and a pre-term birth, said she found it ‘very empowering’.

She said: ‘If your GP hasn’t offered you a test or treatment, you can now ask because you know.’

The calculator can be found at www.miscarriagetool.tommys.org

HOW COMMON ARE MISCARRIAGES?

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy during the first 23 weeks.

Vaginal bleeding followed by cramping and pain in the lower abdomen are the most common symptoms.

Many miscarriages go unreported because they are often managed at home. But it is thought one in eight pregnancies end with losing the baby.

Lots more occur before a person is even aware they are pregnant.

Losing three or more pregnancies in a row is uncommon and affects around one per cent of women.

Doctors believe most occur due to abnormal chromosomes in the baby.

In most cases, miscarriage is a one-off event and people go on to have a successful pregnancy in the future.

The majority of miscarriages cannot be prevented. But avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs when pregnant lowers the risk.

Being a healthy weight before getting pregnant and eating a healthy diet can also help.

Those suffering a miscarriage are usually referred to hospital for an ultrasound scan.

If one has occurred, it will often pass out naturally in one or two weeks. Sometimes medication is used to assist passing the tissue or minor surgery can be performed.

Source: NHS

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