Previous work has focused on the consequences of three or more miscarriages (recurrent miscarriage), although for most women, a single miscarriage is far more likely. While for most women these risks are small, increased obstetric surveillance should not be restricted only to women with multiple miscarriages
The study of over 33,000 women, published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, also found that women who suffered one miscarriage were more than twice as likely to have labour induced and almost six times as likely to have an "instrumental" vaginal delivery, such as the use of forceps. Pre-term birth after 34 weeks gestation was 1.6 times more common, and low birthweight (less than 2,500g) was 1.6 times more common.
Lead researcher Dr Sohinee Bhattacharya said: "A single initial miscarriage increased the risks of pregnancy complications in the next continuing pregnancy compared to women who had a successful first pregnancy.
"While for most women these risks are small, increased obstetric surveillance should not be restricted only to women with multiple miscarriages."
Gail Johnson of the Royal College of Midwives said it was important for women to be aware of the risks, but said they should not be alarmed by the findings.
"Women who have had a miscarriage are able to have a successful pregnancy. If that pregnancy is complicated we can offer monitoring and treatment to improve the outcomes," she said.
Research has shown that one in five pregnancies end in miscarriage in the first three months and one in 100 women have recurrent miscarriages.
October 2008
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