New Curtin University researchers have traced miscarriages to the complications of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure-related disorders in pregnancies.
Researchers from the Curtin School of Population Health analysed 52 studies involving more than four million pregnancies across 22 countries to investigate the health impacts of miscarriage, abortion and recurrent pregnancy loss (more than two miscarriages in succession) on subsequent pregnancies.
The study, which found different health risks for each group showed that people who had experienced a miscarriage were 44 per cent more likely to develop gestational diabetes during later pregnancies but only 6 per cent more likely to develop high blood pressure in subsequent pregnancies.
It, however, noted that people who had experienced recurrent pregnancy loss showed no increased risk of gestational diabetes but were 37 per cent more likely to develop pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous complication characterised by high blood pressure, in later pregnancies.
There was no evidence linking abortion to diabetic or hypertensive-related issues, either during or outside of pregnancy. Lead author, Dr Jennifer Dunne, said establishing the links between pregnancy loss, diabetes and high blood pressure could have a far-reaching impact.
According to Dunne, “Miscarriages occur in 15-25 per cent of all pregnancies — which is around 23 million per year, globally.” He explained that “Gestational diabetes and high blood pressure disorders in pregnancy can cause a variety of significant health problems; understanding the relationship between pregnancy loss and later pregnancy complications could reveal new ways to mitigate risks or possibly prevent these conditions from progressing.
“Further research into the biological links between pregnancy loss and later health issues might reveal new targets for developing treatments.”
Dunne said the study added to what was already known about pregnancy complications and health later in life, even beyond pregnancy.
“Knowing miscarriage can lead to these pregnancy complications later on is important, as these conditions during pregnancy have previously been linked to a higher risk of people developing heart disease later in life.
“By shedding light on the long-term health effects of miscarriages and repeated pregnancy losses, this study paves the way for improved healthcare strategies, research, and support for those affected — hopefully enhancing the outcomes for parents and babies in future pregnancies,” Dunne said.
