About this resource
Miscarriage affects many people and families, yet misunderstandings and misconceptions about miscarriage are still common.
People don’t always understand what miscarriage is, what it can be like, or how to offer support to someone experiencing miscarriage.
Learning the facts can help you support someone you care about with empathy, compassion and reassurance, while reducing feelings of blame, shame and isolation that can follow miscarriage.
- 1 in 4 confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage
- Approximately 285 miscarriages happen every day in Australia
- Miscarriage occurs before 20 weeks of pregnancy
What’s important to know?
Miscarriage is rarely anyone’s fault
In most cases, the exact cause of a miscarriage may be unable to be determined. However, people often search for reasons or blame themselves.
Miscarriage is not caused by:
- lifting heavy objects
- eating spicy food
- past use of birth control
- having sex during pregnancy.
While these beliefs are common, research shows they do not cause miscarriage.
Miscarriage affects partners too
Miscarriage often affects more than one person. It can impact partners, families, friends, colleagues and wider communities.
There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to feel
People, including partners, can feel many different emotions about a miscarriage. Like grief, guilt or even relief.
Talking about miscarriage can help
It’s okay to ask how someone feels, or just to keep them company. Spending time together and listening can offer comfort and support.
It is ok to share the news of a pregnancy before 12 weeks
Many people wait until 12 weeks to share pregnancy news. But there is no right or wrong time to tell others. Sharing the news earlier can help people get support if they need it.
A loss is a loss, no matter the journey
Every miscarriage deserves compassion and support, regardless of how the pregnancy was conceived, the type of loss, or when it occurs.
Care matters more than perfection
Experiencing a miscarriage can feel very isolating for the person who has the physical loss, their partner and their loved ones.
Offering supportive words, listening without judgement and simply being there for someone can help them feel less alone.
You don’t need to have the perfect words, care matters more than perfection.