Can I Have My Miscarriage Described Only as a "Pregnancy Loss" by the NHS?

Experiencing a miscarriage is an incredibly personal and often devastating event, and the language used to describe it can significantly shape a person’s emotional experience. In the UK, many individuals and advocacy groups have raised concerns over the terminology used by healthcare professionals, particularly by the NHS, during antenatal appointments and other pregnancy care encounters.

This article will explore whether you can request to have your miscarriage described only as a “pregnancy loss” rather than as a “miscarriage” within the NHS, how to approach this with your healthcare providers, and why this matters to many people.

The Importance of Language in Pregnancy Loss

The term miscarriage is often used in medical settings to describe the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks. However, for many people, this term carries negative connotations or fails to adequately represent the emotional and personal impact of their experience. Research has shown that the language surrounding pregnancy loss, particularly within antenatal care, can have a profound impact on emotional well-being and recovery.

Studies led by researchers at University College London (UCL) highlight the psychological effect of words used in medical care. Participants in these studies reported feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy associated with terms like “miscarriage,” “incompetent cervix,” and “termination.” They suggested that softer, more neutral terms like “pregnancy loss” would reduce emotional harm (Malory, 2022).

Given the weight language can carry, many individuals wish to have their pregnancy loss described in a way that better aligns with their emotional needs, such as referring to it only as a “pregnancy loss.” But can you make this request when receiving antenatal care from the NHS?

Your Rights to Personalised Language in NHS Care

The NHS operates under the principle of patient-centred care, which includes respecting the wishes and preferences of individuals in relation to their treatment. According to the NHS Constitution, patients have the right to “be treated with respect, dignity and compassion” and to be involved in decisions about their care, including how their health information is communicated.

In practice, this means that you can request that healthcare professionals use language you feel comfortable with. If you prefer the term “pregnancy loss” rather than “miscarriage,” you can express this preference during your antenatal care appointments. Healthcare providers are encouraged to respect patient choices, particularly when it comes to sensitive and emotionally charged subjects such as pregnancy loss.

The NHS’s guidance for maternity services acknowledges the importance of personalising care to each individual’s needs and wishes. This includes emotional support and ensuring that the language used does not exacerbate grief or trauma. As awareness of the emotional impact of certain terms grows, more healthcare professionals are becoming mindful of the significance of the words they use and are open to adapting their communication accordingly.

How to Request Specific Language During Antenatal Care

If you would prefer your healthcare provider to refer to your miscarriage as a pregnancy loss, it’s important to communicate this clearly to your antenatal care team. Here are some practical steps to take:

Speak to Your Midwife or GP

When you attend antenatal appointments, speak directly to your midwife, GP, or other healthcare provider. Explain your preference for how your experience is described and request that they use the term “pregnancy loss” rather than “miscarriage.”

Include It in Your Birth Plan or Medical Notes

You can include this preference in your birth plan or pregnancy care notes, which are shared with all healthcare providers involved in your care. You may also be able to ask for this information to be added to your electronic health record.

Ask for Support from Antenatal Clinics

Antenatal clinics and services are designed to provide comprehensive support during pregnancy and can include emotional as well as physical care. If you’re concerned about the language used during your antenatal appointments, request antenatal support that specifically addresses your emotional well-being.

Clarify at Antenatal Checkups

Antenatal checkups are an opportunity to discuss all aspects of your care, including emotional support and how to best handle the language surrounding your pregnancy. Feel free to bring up the issue during any antenatal checkup, especially if you’re seeing multiple healthcare providers who may not be aware of your preferences.

The Role of Antenatal Care in Emotional Well-being

Antenatal care goes beyond physical health—it also provides vital emotional support during pregnancy, including in situations where a loss occurs. The NHS offers various forms of antenatal care throughout pregnancy, including counselling, support groups, and emotional check-ins. These services are important for mental well-being, particularly after a pregnancy loss, and can help you navigate the complex feelings that often accompany such an experience.

For many people, having healthcare professionals use language that reflects their emotional state can be an integral part of the healing process. Some hospitals and antenatal clinics have begun offering pregnancy loss support groups and antenatal education that focus on emotional resilience and recovery following a miscarriage.

Language Preferences and Cultural Sensitivity

It’s important to note that language preferences vary from person to person, and what one individual may find upsetting, another may not. The NHS provides care to a diverse population, and as such, healthcare professionals are trained to be sensitive to different cultural, emotional, and linguistic needs.

For individuals whose first language is not English, the complexity of medical terms used during pregnancy loss can also add to emotional distress. Studies have highlighted that those who speak English as a second language often struggle to understand certain medical terms, compounding the trauma of pregnancy loss (Malory, 2021). In such cases, requesting that specific terms be avoided can provide some relief.

The Importance of Compassionate Care

Healthcare professionals are increasingly aware of the importance of compassionate communication during pregnancy loss. Compassionate care is a core value in the NHS and is particularly essential during antenatal appointments and pregnancy clinic visits.

Many antenatal clinics now offer training for healthcare workers to better understand how language affects patients, including the use of terms like “pregnancy loss” instead of “miscarriage.” However, the approach may vary depending on the hospital or clinic, which is why it’s essential to actively advocate for your preferences.

Can You Have Your Miscarriage Described as a Pregnancy Loss?

Yes, you can request that your miscarriage be described only as a pregnancy loss during antenatal care provided by the NHS. As a patient, you have the right to communicate your preferences regarding the language used in your care, and healthcare professionals are expected to respect those wishes where possible. Whether you’re receiving support from an antenatal clinic, attending antenatal appointments, or interacting with healthcare workers in other settings, clear communication can help ensure that your emotional well-being is prioritised alongside your physical health.

By raising awareness of your preferences and advocating for personalised language, you can help to ensure that your experience is handled with the care, sensitivity, and respect it deserves.