Campaign to improve care for women after miscarriage

Women who have suffered miscarriages are treated alongside pregnant women and new mums in hospital

Mumsnet has hit out at the NHS claiming healthcare staff sometimes appear not to understand the devastation experienced by mothers who suffer miscarriages and suggest the heartbreak is compounded by hospital shortcomings.

The website for mums, which is launching a campaign with the backing of doctors and experts, says women are left waiting several days for scans to confirm their baby is dead, while many others are treated on the same wards as pregnant women and mothers with newborn babies.

'There is no getting away from the hurt of a miscarriage, but there are a number of simple changes that could make a considerable difference to the level of trauma miscarrying parents undergo,' says Justine Roberts, co founder of Mumsnet.

'We're asking national and local politicians and healthcare providers to get behind our code of care to improve the treatment received by women who miscarry.'

Miscarriage affects around a quarter of a million women in the UK each year, including women in the public eye such as Amanda Holden, who lost her baby at seven months and singer Lily Allen who has lost two babies to miscarriage.

Health Minister Anne Milton says: 'Miscarriage is devastating for women and their partners so it is essential that they get the best care.'

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