29 July 2026: AIHW releases first-ever national miscarriage data | The Medical Republic
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Key takeaways
- Australia has released its first national data on pregnancy loss, highlighting how common miscarriage is and where important gaps in care remain.
- Miscarriage is more common than many people realise. The AIHW reports that available Australian studies estimate around 30–37% of women who have ever been pregnant experience at least one miscarriage or pregnancy loss before 20 weeks' gestation, while also highlighting important gaps in national data.
- The emotional impact of miscarriage should never be underestimated, regardless of how early the pregnancy loss occurs.
- Most miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities and are not the result of anything someone did or didn't do.
- Further research and improved access to care will help strengthen support for people experiencing miscarriage across Australia.
What the latest AIHW miscarriage data tells us
For the first time, Australia has national data providing a clearer picture of miscarriage and early pregnancy loss.
Published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Pregnancy loss in Australia: A Data Scoping Study brings together information from multiple national data sources to better understand pregnancy loss in Australia, the care people receive and where important gaps remain.
The report reinforces what many fertility specialists have long recognised: miscarriage is common, often emotionally significant and deserving of greater understanding, research and support.
Speaking about the findings, Genea Melbourne City Medical Director A/Prof Alex Polyakov said the psychological impact of miscarriage is often underestimated, despite pregnancy loss being one of the most common complications of pregnancy.
"Because miscarriages are so common, we as medical doctors often forget that they have a real and significant psychological impact, irrespective of gestational age, especially in patients who have been trying for a long time."
The report is an important step towards improving Australia's understanding of pregnancy loss and helping shape future research, healthcare services and support for those affected. It also reinforces the importance of compassionate, evidence-based care for anyone who experiences miscarriage.
What does the new AIHW data show?
The AIHW report represents an important milestone because Australia has historically lacked comprehensive national information about miscarriage and pregnancy loss before 20 weeks' gestation.
Using information from hospital records, Medicare claims, perinatal collections and other national datasets, the AIHW report draws together the best available evidence on pregnancy loss in Australia. It notes that Australian studies estimate 30–37% of women who have ever been pregnant experience at least one miscarriage or pregnancy loss before 20 weeks' gestation, while also highlighting important gaps in national data and the need for improved national monitoring.
The report also found that among women who gave birth in 2022, approximately 30% had previously experienced at least one miscarriage, while around 10% had experienced two or more miscarriages. These findings relate to women who went on to give birth and do not capture everyone who has experienced pregnancy loss.
However, the AIHW notes these figures do not capture every experience of miscarriage. Many early pregnancy losses occur before someone realises they are pregnant, while others are managed at home or through primary care without being recorded in hospital data.
The report also identified important gaps in Australia's understanding of pregnancy loss, including the true prevalence of miscarriage, access to care, the long-term impact on quality of life and community awareness of available support.
Understanding miscarriage
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks' gestation. It is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, yet many people continue to feel isolated when it happens.
Although every experience is different, one of the most important messages for patients is that miscarriage is usually not caused by something they did or didn't do.
At Genea, we understand that every miscarriage is different. Whether it happens after trying to conceive naturally or during fertility treatment, our specialists take the time to understand each person's medical history, answer questions and provide evidence-based care tailored to their individual circumstances.
As A/Prof Alex Polyakov explains, the most common cause of miscarriage is a chromosomal abnormality affecting the developing embryo. These changes occur randomly and usually prevent the pregnancy from developing normally.
Maternal age also plays an important role because chromosomal abnormalities become more common as eggs age, particularly from the mid-to-late thirties onwards.
Other factors, including smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease and some infections, can contribute to miscarriage risk in some people. Having experienced a previous miscarriage may increase the likelihood of another miscarriage for some people, although many go on to have healthy pregnancies. Uterine abnormalities may also contribute to miscarriage risk. However, in many cases it is not possible to identify a single cause for an individual pregnancy loss.
Why emotional support matters
While miscarriage is often discussed from a medical perspective, the emotional impact can be profound.
Pregnancy loss may involve grief, anxiety, sadness and uncertainty about future pregnancies. These feelings can occur regardless of how early the pregnancy ended.
According to A/Prof Alex Polyakov, emotional care should be considered just as important as medical care.
For people who have spent months or years trying to conceive, or who have undergone fertility treatment, miscarriage can represent the loss of long-held hopes and expectations.
At Genea, we recognise that caring for someone experiencing miscarriage means supporting both their physical and emotional wellbeing. Alongside medical care, our team provides compassionate guidance and can connect patients with counselling and additional support services when needed.
Access to miscarriage care
The AIHW report also highlights differences in access to miscarriage care across Australia.
While many miscarriages can be managed safely with support from a GP or local hospital, people living in rural and regional communities may have fewer treatment options, particularly if surgical management is required.
Improving access to care, strengthening referral pathways and ensuring healthcare professionals have access to appropriate education are all important opportunities identified through ongoing work in this area.
The report also recommends improving national data collection to better understand how pregnancy loss affects Australians and how healthcare services can continue to improve.
At Genea, our fertility specialists work closely with patients and their referring doctors to investigate recurrent miscarriage where appropriate, helping identify any underlying factors and develop an individualised plan for future pregnancies.
When should you speak to a fertility specialist?
Experiencing one miscarriage does not necessarily mean you will have difficulty achieving a healthy pregnancy in the future.
However, if you've experienced two or more miscarriages, or have concerns about your fertility, it is worth speaking with a fertility specialist. Depending on your medical history, investigations may include assessment of hormone levels, uterine anatomy, genetic factors or other conditions that may affect pregnancy.
At Genea, our fertility specialists provide comprehensive investigations for recurrent miscarriage and work closely with each patient to develop an evidence-based, personalised plan based on their individual circumstances and fertility goals.
Getting support after miscarriage
Experiencing a miscarriage can be emotionally and physically challenging. At Genea, we believe no one should have to navigate pregnancy loss alone.
If you've experienced two or more miscarriages, speaking with one of our fertility specialists may help identify whether there is an underlying cause. Depending on your individual circumstances, investigations may help guide future care and treatment options.
We also recognise that support extends beyond medical care. Since 2017, Genea has partnered with The Pink Elephants Support Network, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting people through miscarriage and early pregnancy loss.
The organisation provides free information, practical resources and peer support to help individuals and families navigate grief, understand what to expect and access ongoing support when they need it.
Looking ahead
The release of Australia's first national miscarriage data is an important step towards improving understanding of pregnancy loss.
By strengthening research, improving data collection and recognising both the physical and emotional impact of miscarriage, Australia has an opportunity to improve support and care for people experiencing pregnancy loss.
As A/Prof Alex Polyakov emphasises, miscarriage is common, but that should never diminish its significance for the people experiencing it. Every person experiencing pregnancy loss deserves compassionate care, clear information and access to evidence-based support.
About the authors
Dr. Alex Polyakov
Medical Director Melbourne City and Fertility Specialist MBBS, MClinEpid, MReproMed, MHlth&MedLaw, MBioeth, GradCertEBM, FACLM, FANZCOG
Melbourne Fertility Specialist A/Prof Alex Polyakov at Genea. Complete fertility care from IVF to delivery, combining clinical expertise & academic research.
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