Canada’s gynecologists release new guidelines for miscarriage care, promoting trauma-informed support and better access to early pregnancy assessment.
Canada has introduced updated guidelines to better support individuals experiencing pregnancy loss. The new recommendations, issued by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, emphasize early diagnosis and compassionate, patient-centered care.
National Guidelines Aim to Improve Miscarriage Care in Canada
In a move to enhance care for women experiencing early pregnancy loss, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) has released updated clinical guidelines focused on compassionate miscarriage treatment. Published today in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada, the guidelines emphasize medical accuracy, trauma-informed support, and expanded access to care.
Addressing Physical and Emotional Impacts of Miscarriage
The SOGC acknowledges that first-trimester pregnancy loss, which affects about 15% of pregnancies, is not only a medical issue but also an emotional and psychological crisis. The new miscarriage care guidelines encourage providers to validate patients’ experiences, acknowledge their grief, and clearly explain next steps in care. Self-blame and isolation, common among those who miscarry, must be addressed as part of the healing process, the guideline states.
New Focus on Screening and Mental Health Support
As part of improving early pregnancy loss care in Canada, the guidelines recommend that health-care professionals screen patients for depression and offer referrals to mental health services when appropriate. This shift positions miscarriage care within a broader mental health and well-being framework, aiming to reduce the stigma and silence often surrounding pregnancy loss.
Improving Accuracy in Diagnosing Early Pregnancy Loss
To avoid misdiagnosis and emotional trauma, the SOGC’s miscarriage guidelines establish clearer clinical criteria using ultrasound and hormone testing. Health-care providers are advised to take a cautious, evidence-based approach to ensure that viable pregnancies are not mistakenly classified as miscarriages, which can have devastating consequences.
Expanding Access Through Specialized Pregnancy Clinics
A key recommendation in the new Canadian miscarriage care guidelines is the expansion of Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinics (EPACs). These specialized clinics provide timely and targeted care, reducing the burden on emergency departments and ensuring women receive focused, expert attention during pregnancy loss. The SOGC is urging provinces to invest in these services nationwide.
Building a National Standard for Compassionate Miscarriage Care
The guidelines mark a significant step toward standardizing miscarriage care in Canada, aligning clinical best practices with patient-centered, trauma-informed communication. The SOGC stresses that most early pregnancy losses are unpreventable and not caused by patient actions—an essential message in addressing guilt and misinformation.
