Pregnancy Loss Rates in British Columbia, Canada: Pathways to Improved Care for Patients and Families Impacted by Pregnancy Loss

One of the goals for this Island Health-funded research project is to evaluate pregnancy loss data and recommend health system strategies to more accurately capture pregnancy loss rates.

Approximately 15-25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Actual rates are unknown because Canada does not have a national mechanism for recording and reporting pregnancy losses. While provinces and territories record some pregnancy loss data, current mechanisms are producing under-reported pregnancy loss rates. Further, data for other pregnancy losses (e.g., termination for medical reasons before 20 weeks gestation, molar pregnancies, ectopic pregnancies) is currently not disseminated in BC. As a result, health care services do not meet the growing population's need for integrated health care following pregnancy loss-a critical women's health issue. This research will identify (a) pregnancy loss rates, by type, in BC (since 2015) and meaningfully engage patient partners and health care providers to identify (b) current barriers to reporting and recording pregnancy losses in BC, (c) health system strategies to more accurately capture pregnancy loss rates, (d) critically needed pregnancy loss resources, and (e) future research priorities. The project has three phases: (1) an evaluation of pregnancy loss data from Health Data Platform BC and Perinatal Services BC, (2) dialogue with patient partners and health care providers, and (3) the co-development of pregnancy loss care resources alongside patient partners and health care providers for use within the provincial health authorities.

Funding from Health Research BC and Island Health have made this project possible.