The Hammersmith, St Mary's and Imperial College Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), formed as part of the implementation of the Government's research strategy “Best Research for Best Health” and funded by the Department, is undertaking research that aims to further understanding of the mechanisms underlying recurrent miscarriage. Copies of the strategy are available in the Library. The Cambridge University Hospitals and University of Cambridge BRC is separately working to develop an integrated method of screening pregnant women to determine their risk of, and to identify novel genetic and molecular markers for, adverse perinatal outcome.
The Medical Research Council supports a wide portfolio of research related to premature birth and related conditions, reproductive tract research and underpinning reproductive medicine and paediatric research and has recently funded two projects directly related to spontaneous abortion.
The Department has not undertaken a review of the causes of spontaneous abortion. We are however aware of work by organisations such as the Miscarriage Association, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Association of Early Pregnancy Units in this area. In addition, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines on antenatal care include guidance to reduce the risk of miscarriage.