Scientists develop Test to identify women at increased risk of miscarriage

Scientists develop Test to identify women at increased risk of miscarriage
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Scientists have developed a new test to identify women at increased risk of miscarriage, potentially leading to treatments that prevent pregnancy loss, The Guardian reported. Miscarriage affects about one in six pregnancies, with most occurring before 12 weeks. Until now, research focused mainly on embryo quality, leaving the womb lining’s role poorly understood.

The largest study of its kind, conducted by the University of Warwick and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS trust, found that an abnormal process in the womb lining—called the decidual reaction—may explain recurrent miscarriages. In some women, this reaction does not properly prepare the womb for pregnancy, creating an unstable environment that increases the risk of early pregnancy loss, even with healthy embryos.

Researchers analyzed over 1,300 women’s biopsies and developed a diagnostic test to measure the womb lining’s health. The test has already helped more than 1,000 patients. One woman, Holly Milikouris, who suffered five miscarriages, described the test and subsequent treatment as “lifechanging,” resulting in two healthy children.

Experts say the test offers hope for explanations and prevention of recurrent miscarriage, addressing a critical gap in reproductive medicine.