Rotunda Hospital to host virtual miscarriage information event

The Rotunda Hospital has announced a new event to raise awareness about miscarriage and early pregnancy loss.

The event, which is the first of its kind, will take place virtually on the 3rd and 4th February 2022.

According to HSE figures, 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage and 14,000 women experience a miscarriage each year in Ireland.

Through a series of expert led videos by hospital staff and colleagues from partner organisations, the hospital is hoping to educate friends and family of pregnant women about the difficult topic, provide advice about how to support a loved one experiencing a miscarriage, and to raise awareness.

The event will cover a number of important topics, including:

• Different types of miscarriage
• Where to access information and supports
• Practical advice for women
• Supports available after leaving hospital
• How to access services if you have had recurrent miscarriages
• Pregnancy after miscarriage

Dr Sharon Cooley, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and Clinical Lead for the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit at the Rotunda Hospital said:

“Everyone hears about miscarriage, but never expect it to happen to them.

“The reality is, that one in five pregnancies each year in Ireland end this way.

“For those who have experienced a miscarriage, it is a difficult topic to discuss and for those who haven’t, it is a topic they may not want to think about.

“Through our upcoming Miscarriage Information Event, we will address a number of key areas including acknowledging the loss, recognizing the types of miscarriage, advice for women during pregnancy and the supports available.”

Dr Karen Flood, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and lead clinician for the Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Clinic at the Rotunda Hospital added:

“Our virtual event will be led by the feedback we receive from the patients and members of the public that want to know more about miscarriage and early pregnancy loss.

“Over the next week, people can submit question online that will be included in the video series. We hope that this event will be a resource for patients, and that they can turn to this information if they ever need it.

“Miscarriage is more prevalent in our daily lives than people think, and we believe it is important to encourage open conversation and to provide easy access to these important resources.”

To find out more about the event and submit a question for the Rotunda Hospital experts, please visit: https://rotunda.ie/miscarriage/