WOMEN who suffer miscarriages are being put at risk of further harm by a lack of adequate follow-up care, a report has found, with one patient describing her experience as “dehumanising.”

Research by the Miscarriage Association found almost two thirds of women felt follow-up care was not adequate, while more than four in 10 who wanted mental health treatment after losing their baby did not receive it.

The report, backed by MPs, calls for urgent action to ensure follow-up care following miscarriage becomes routine.

Many women felt they were sent home with little or no guidance, according to the charity’s research.

A recurring theme was a lack of dignity, the report said, with some women left without access to basic care such as sanitary pads. 

Workplace policies relating to baby loss “remain limited and employees’ rights around pregnancy are poorly understood,” researchers found.

The report calls for follow-up care to become routine for every miscarriage, with extended early pregnancy unit hours, more bereavement support and the right to bereavement leave in workplaces.

A Department of Health & Social Care spokesperson said the report’s findings were unacceptable and that it was working to improve miscarriage care and maternity services.