Doctors say miscarriage care needs to be improved

An article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal says it’s time to invest in early pregnancy assessment clinics that could provide appropriate care during and after a miscarriage – a situation that can have devastating effects on the mother.

The article and a review of the medical literature on early miscarriages indicate that they affect one in five pregnancies in Canada, but patients who seek help from emergency departments often receive “suboptimal” care.

According to the publication, a study revealed a disconnect between the medical view of early miscarriage as something that’s easily managed and the reality of patients’ traumatic experiences.

The article argues that early pregnancy assessment clinics would be better equipped to provide a personalized, patient-centered experience, with a better understanding of early pregnancy complications and grief.

Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass, one of the authors and an obstetrician-gynecologist at North York General Hospital in Toronto, emphasized the need for compassionate care that considers the psychological impact of miscarriage.

According to Dr. Tunde-Byass, patients should be referred to early pregnancy assessment clinics, if needed, to address grief, guilt, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can persist for a year after a miscarriage.

While North York General Hospital and other health-care providers have dedicated miscarriage clinics, Tunde-Byass says the practice isn’t widely adopted — and it should be.

The Canadian Medical Association Journal says pregnancy assessment services “remain an unrealistic dream for many,” particularly in rural Canada.

—

The Canadian Press’ health content is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. Editorial choices are solely the responsibility of The Canadian Press.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews