A missed miscarriage occurs when a baby has died or not developed, but the body has not yet recognized the loss. Often, there are no symptoms such as bleeding or pain, and pregnancy hormones may remain high, leading women to believe the pregnancy is progressing normally. This type of miscarriage is frequently diagnosed during routine ultrasound scans at 12 weeks or later, coming as a complete shock to expectant mothers. Studies indicate that missed miscarriages account for approximately 1–5% of all pregnancies in the UK .

Ectopic pregnancies, where a fertilized egg implants outside the womb, are another serious concern. In the UK, around 1 in every 90 pregnancies is ectopic, equating to approximately 11,000 cases annually . Alarmingly, the number of deaths due to ectopic pregnancies has nearly doubled in recent years, rising from 5 cases noted in 2019 to 12 in the latest report .

Providing earlier ultrasound scans could:

Enable Prompt Detection of Missed Miscarriages: Early identification allows for timely medical management, reducing the risk of complications and the emotional distress of discovering the loss at a later stage.

Identify Ectopic Pregnancies Sooner: Early detection is crucial, as ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Provide Emotional Support: Early diagnosis can help women and their families begin the grieving process sooner and access appropriate support services.

Improve Clinical Outcomes: Early detection may reduce the need for surgical interventions and associated risks.

While private clinics offer early scans, the cost can be prohibitive for many families. Making early scans accessible through the NHS would promote equitable healthcare and improve maternal outcomes.

We urge the UK Government and Parliament to offer NHS-funded ultrasound scans to pregnant women as early as 7 weeks. Early scans can detect missed miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies sooner, allowing for timely medical intervention and emotional support.