Improving access, understanding, and dignity during miscarriage recovery in British Columbia, Canada: A patient-oriented research study

Abstract

Background: Approximately 15%–25% of clinical pregnancies end in miscarriage, with more than 15,000 miscarriages occurring annually in British Columbia, Canada. Despite the significant rates of loss, research and health care services for pregnancy loss remain scarce in British Columbia. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) aid miscarriage recovery through the identification and sharing of equitable pregnancy loss care practices and supports and (2) present policy recommendations to improve prenatal care guidelines and employment standards for pregnancy loss. Design: This research took a patient-oriented methodological approach alongside people with lived/living experience(s) of miscarriage recovery in British Columbia to evaluate access to health care during pregnancy loss, societal understanding of miscarriage, and treatment options that foreground dignity. Methods: The mixed-methods design of this research included policy research on prenatal care guidelines, policy research on provincial and territorial employment legislation for bereavement leave, semi-structured interviews (n = 27), and a discovery action dialogue (n = 4). Results: The findings of this research demonstrate the need for improved prenatal care guidelines for early pregnancy loss, follow-up care after a miscarriage, mental health screening and supports, and bereavement leave legislation. Conclusion: This article includes recommendations to improve equitable access to pregnancy loss care, bereavement leave legislation, and future research in this area.