Study suggests miscarriage rates over 40 per cent higher in black women

New research has suggested that black women face a much higher risk of having a miscarriage.

The Lancet medical journal’s analysis of data on 4.6 million pregnancies in seven countries suggests that being black increases the chance of having a miscarriage by 43 per cent and is calling for people in the UK to be given support after their first pregnancy loss.

The report also found that women who suffered miscarriage, from all ethnic backgrounds, are more vulnerable to long-term health problems, such as heart disease, blood clots and depression.

The bulk of the research was carried out in Finland, Denmark and Sweden, although data from the UK, the US, Norway and Canada was also used.

Professor Siobhan Quenby, deputy director of Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, said “We know there’s an increased risk of dying in pregnancy for black women, but I was very shocked to also find an increased risk of miscarriage.”

It is known that black people are at increased risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes, both conditions which increase the risk of miscarriage, but Professor Quenby said scientists were also investigating whether the risk of other health issues, such as autoimmune disorders and fibroid conditions, could help explain the higher rate.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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