Funder’s details:
Tommy’s Pregnancy and Baby Loss charity
Study contacts:
Dr Andrea Woolner, Chief Investigator
PASTeL-1
Our first project was to determine the already available evidence investigating the impact of a second trimester pregnancy loss (STPL) on subsequent pregnancies. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies. We recognised there is paucity of any evidence in this area. There was some evidence suggesting the risk of preterm birth may be higher for women with a prior STPL. But the evidence was low quality. This work is published here: doi:10.1111/aogs.14731
PASTeL-2
Based on the findings of PASTeL-1, we planned and conducted a primary observational study using data from the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank. One of the key difficulties with conducting research in second trimester pregnancy events is that many routinely collected data systems do not have accurate recording of gestation at miscarriage; and even collection of miscarriage data is rare worldwide including in the UK. The AMND holds all pregnancy and fertility related data from 1950 until 2017 for the women of Aberdeen (www.abdn.ac.uk/amnd) including routinely collected information on gestation at the time of miscarriage. This meant we were able to conduct a cohort study using this historical database to investigate the impact that having a STPL or Termination for fetal or medical reasons (TFMR) in the second trimester was on the next pregnancies. One of the unique features of this research was the ability to look at multiple demographic factors, and whether or not the STPL occurred in her first pregnancy.
This work was presented as a poster presentation at the British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society in Belfast in May 2025.
An original research article has been submitted for peer review.
PASTeL – 3
During the course of PASTeL 1 and 2 projects, and from our own clinical practice, we were conscious of the lack of research but also the significant lack of clinical guidance for healthcare professionals looking after couples at the time of STPL, including how to induce and manage birth in the second trimester before 24 weeks’ gestation, care after a STPL including following up. In addition we conducted a research priority setting exercise with healthcare professionals to ask what they felt was the important priorities for future research on STPL. PASTeL- 3 was an online survey for healthcare professionals in the UK and Ireland completed in 2025.
PASTeL3 was presented as 2 poster presentations and a short oral presentation at the British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society in Belfast, May 2025.
We have submitted research papers for peer review.
PASTeL – 4
More information coming soon!