Pregnancy loss report calls for better general practice data

A first-of-its kind report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has gathered national data on pregnancy loss, however it also reveals important missing links, including in-depth data on the experience of women presenting in general practice.
 
The AIHW’s Pregnancy loss in Australia: A data scoping study explored national data on pregnancy loss and miscarriage, related care, and gaps in existing data.
 
Information from five states and territories showed that among women who gave birth in 2022, 30% had previously experienced at least one miscarriage.
 
One in 10 had experienced two or more miscarriages. These proportions remained relatively stable between 2017 and 2022.
 
But this figure could be even higher, with the analysis only reflecting pregnancy loss for women who later went on to give birth.
 
Adding to this is that pregnancy loss in Australia is not well captured by existing data, the AIHW report explained.
 
This includes a lack of nationally consistent data from the primary health care sector, which ‘holds rich clinical data that supports the management of individuals’ health’.
 
Dr Ka-Kiu Cheung, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Antenatal and Postnatal Care, described the report as ‘an important step in improving our understanding of pregnancy loss in Australia’.
 
It highlights both the scale of pregnancy loss and the significant gaps in national data, particularly for care provided outside hospital settings,’ said Dr Cheung, who is the RACGP representative on the AIHW National Miscarriage Expert Committee.
 
‘Addressing these gaps starts with clearer definitions and better data from consumers and general practice, where much of pregnancy loss care occurs,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘More complete primary care data will help us better understand women’s experiences and inform future policy and service planning.’
 
The AIHW study also examined pregnancy loss-related hospitalisations as an important care setting with well-developed data.
 
From 2019–20 and 2024–25, there were between 34,000 and 37,000 pregnancy loss-related admissions each year, representing six per 1000 women aged 15–44. Between 75% and 80% of these hospitalisations occurred in public hospitals.
 
Miscarriage was the most common type of pregnancy loss recorded in hospital data, accounting for around 80% of pregnancy loss-related hospitalisations, followed by ectopic pregnancy.
 
Women aged 30–39 accounted for around 60% of pregnancy loss-related hospitalisations.
 
While hospital data is more readily accessible, ‘much sexual and reproductive health care is provided in general practice and community-based settings that are not well captured in existing administrative data sets’.
 
Better national data would help improve overall visibility of pregnancy loss and unmet care needs, particularly for marginalised communities, the report explained.
 
‘While pregnancy loss affects many Australians, some experiences have limited visibility in the data, including those of people who do not access health services or who receive care only through general practice,’ explained AIHW spokesperson Deanna Eldridge.
 
‘The study recommends practical steps towards more comprehensive and consistent monitoring, including in primary care.
 
‘Better data will support policy and service delivery that reflect the experiences, care needs and outcomes of those affected by pregnancy loss in Australia.’
 
The AIHW identified four critical data gaps – the prevalence of pregnancy loss; access to and quality of care; impacts on quality of life; and health literacy.
 
To address these gaps in data, the data scoping study is a starting point.
 
‘The AIHW is progressing options to improve the use of existing data, alongside proposals for new data collections where gaps cannot be otherwise addressed…,’ the report said.
 
The AIHW study presents some opportunities to address that, such as having data captured via My Health Record and through the development of a National Primary Health Care Data Collection System.
 
Dr Cheung also emphasised the central role of GPs in pregnancy loss care.
 
‘They are often the first health professional a woman sees, providing diagnosis, management options, coordinating care and supporting women and their partners and families including the emotional and psychological impacts of pregnancy loss,’ she said.
 
‘The continuity of care that general practice provides is particularly valuable, both during the pregnancy loss and in supporting future pregnancies and ongoing wellbeing.’
 
Pregnancy loss extends beyond clinical management, Dr Cheung added.
 
‘Being aware of local and national organisations providing education, counselling, peer support and lived experience resources allows GPs to connect women and their families with the support they need,’ she said.
 
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