New Diagnostic Test Identifies Women at Higher Miscarriage Risk

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Warwick and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has led to the development of a diagnostic test that identifies women at an increased risk of miscarriage. Published on June 26, 2025, this research addresses a significant gap in reproductive medicine, focusing not only on embryo quality but also on the crucial role of the womb lining in pregnancy outcomes. Approximately one in six pregnancies ends in miscarriage, often occurring before 12 weeks, and each subsequent miscarriage increases the likelihood of future losses.

Historically, research into miscarriage has primarily centered on the embryo's health, overlooking the potential influence of the womb lining. The recent findings reveal an abnormal process within the womb lining that may explain why certain women experience repeated miscarriages, even when embryos are deemed healthy. This discovery marks a pivotal advancement in understanding the mechanisms behind pregnancy loss.

Dr. Joanne Muter, the lead author of the study and a researcher at Warwick Medical School, stated, "This is about identifying preventable miscarriages. Many women are told they’ve just had ‘bad luck,’ but our findings show that the womb itself may be setting the stage for pregnancy loss, even before conception takes place." The study analyzed approximately 1,500 biopsies from over 1,300 women, identifying a critical biological process called the decidual reaction that prepares the womb lining for pregnancy. The researchers found that in women with a history of miscarriage, this reaction frequently fails to activate adequately, creating an unstable environment that may allow for embryo implantation but increases the risk of complications.

The researchers highlighted the consistency of the abnormal responses observed in the womb lining, suggesting a measurable and potentially preventable cause of miscarriage risk. Following these findings, the team developed a diagnostic test that assesses the molecular signals indicative of a healthy or dysfunctional decidual reaction. This test has already been piloted in Coventry, supporting the care of more than 1,000 patients.

Holly Milikouris, one of the women who participated in the trial, described the experience as "life-changing," having endured five miscarriages prior. After discovering that her womb lining was poorly prepared for pregnancy, she underwent treatment and successfully carried two pregnancies to term. Dr. Jyotsna Vohra, Director of Research at the baby loss charity Tommy's, emphasized the importance of this test in providing answers and potential treatment options for women facing recurrent miscarriages.

Overall, this research represents a significant step forward in reproductive health, potentially leading to new treatments aimed at preventing miscarriage and improving pregnancy outcomes for women worldwide. As the medical community continues to explore the intricacies of reproductive health, this test could redefine care strategies for women at risk of pregnancy loss, providing hope to countless families affected by miscarriage.