News release

From: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)

New study shows pregnancy loss is common and highlights gaps in national data

CONTENT ADVICE: This media release contains information about pregnancy loss, which some readers may find distressing.
Pregnancy loss is a common reproductive health experience in Australia, with new analysis from a first-of-its-kind study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) highlighting the need for better national data.

The report, Pregnancy loss in Australia: a data scoping study, examines available national data to provide a better understanding of pregnancy loss before 20 weeks’ gestation and related care. It presents new analysis, identifies gaps in existing data and provides recommendations to address these.

‘Pregnancy loss is a deeply personal experience that touches the lives of many women and families,’ said AIHW spokesperson Deanna Eldridge.

Data from 5 states and territories show that among women who gave birth in 2022, 3 in 10 (30%) had previously experienced at least one miscarriage. One in 10 (10%) had experienced 2 or more miscarriages. These proportions remained relatively stable between 2017 and 2022.

These findings align with previous Australian estimates that pregnancy loss affects 30% to 37% of women who have ever been pregnant. However, the analysis does not reflect all experiences of pregnancy loss, as it only includes women who later give birth.

‘Our study shows that previous pregnancy loss is a common experience among women giving birth. Recognising this can ensure care during pregnancy and birth reflects people’s circumstances, needs and experiences,’ said Ms Eldridge.

‘However, gaps in national data on pregnancy loss prevalence and care mean there's still much to learn about these experiences.'

The 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 6 per 1,000 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 4 in 5 pregnancy loss-related hospitalisations, followed by ectopic pregnancy.

Women aged 30–39 accounted for around 6 in 10 pregnancy loss-related hospitalisations.

‘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,’ said Ms 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 study forms part of the AIHW’s broader work to strengthen sexual and reproductive health monitoring in Australia.

The monitoring framework, Bringing focus: a monitoring framework for sexual and reproductive health in Australia, and data strategy, How to tell the story: a strategy for monitoring sexual and reproductive health data in Australia, were also published today.

If the information in this media release raises concerns for you, these services can help:

• Red Nose Grief and Loss Support|1300 308 307
• Pink Elephants Pregnancy Loss Helpline|1300 726 306
• Lifeline|13 11 14
• Griefline|1300 845 745

Information about other ways you can seek support is available on the Miscarriage Australia website.