One in six women suffer from PTSD symptoms a year after miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, study finds

'For many women it will be the most traumatic event in their life', says professor

One in six women who lose a baby during pregnancy experiences long-term symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a new study suggests.

The research, conducted by scientists at Imperial College London and KU Leuven in Belgium, looked into the psychological impact of early-stage pregnancy loss on more than 650 women.

Each of the participants had suffered an early miscarriage (defined as pregnancy loss before 12 weeks), or an ectopic pregnancy (where an embryo starts to grow outside the womb and is not viable).

Published in the journal American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the study found that one month after pregnancy loss 29 per cent suffered from symptoms of PTSD.

Almost a quarter (24 per cent) experienced moderate to severe anxiety, and one in nine (11 per cent) had moderate to severe depression.

After nine months, 18 per cent of women had PTSD, while 17 per cent had moderate to severe anxiety, and six per cent showed signs of moderate to severe depression.

As a result of the findings, the team behind the research are calling for immediate improvements in the care women receive following an early-stage pregnancy loss.

“Pregnancy loss affects up to one in two women, and for many women it will be the most traumatic event in their life,” said Professor Tom Bourne, lead author of the research from Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research at Imperial College London.

"This research suggests the loss of a longed-for child can leave a lasting legacy and result in a woman still suffering post-traumatic stress nearly a year after her pregnancy loss."

He added: "The treatment women receive following early pregnancy loss must change to reflect its psychological impact, and recent efforts to encourage people to talk more openly about this very common issue are a step in the right direction."

The women who participated in the study attended the Early Pregnancy Assessment Units at three London hospitals, including Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea, St Mary's, and Chelsea and Westminster.

They were asked to complete questionnaires about their emotions and behaviour one month after pregnancy loss, then again three and nine months later.

Their responses were compared to 171 women who had healthy pregnancies.

Participants who met the criteria for post-traumatic stress reported regularly re-experiencing the feelings associated with the pregnancy loss, and suffering intrusive or unwanted thoughts about their miscarriage. Some also reported having nightmares and flashbacks.

The authors cautioned the study used a questionnaire for screening, but formal diagnosis of PTSD would require a clinical interview.

They added that women who were already experiencing symptoms of PTSD and depression may have been more likely to respond to the questionnaire, meaning the number of women suffering psychological symptoms may appear higher.

Dr Jessica Farren, first author of the research from Imperial College, and obstetrician and gynaecologist, said: "Post-traumatic stress can have a toxic effect on all elements of a person's life – affecting work, home and relationships."

According to Tommy's – which funds research into pregnancy problems – an estimated one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, while around 11 in 1,000 pregnancies are ectopic.

While every woman’s experience of miscarriage is different, Tommy’s adds that common symptoms can include bleeding, vaginal discharge of fluid, pain and a loss of pregnancy symptoms.

Meanwhile, symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can include bleeding from the vagina which is dark and water, pain on one side or spreading across your tummy, fainting, dizziness, and paleness, and diarrhoea and pain when going to the toilet.

It is important to visit your GP or the nearest A&E department if you experience any of the symptoms.

For more information, help and support regarding pregnancy loss, you can contact Tommy's on 0800 0147 800.