Miscarriage Myths: A Complete UK Guide

Why myths matter

Miscarriage is common, but it is rarely talked about openly. That silence leaves space for myths to grow, and those myths cause real harm. They make parents blame themselves for something they could not have prevented, and they can stop people getting the support they need.

This guide takes the most common miscarriage myths in the UK and sets out what the evidence actually says.

Myth 1: "You must have done something to cause it"

This is the most painful myth of all. In the vast majority of cases, miscarriage is caused by a random chromosomal problem in the embryo. NICE guidance is clear that everyday activities such as working, exercising, having sex, eating normal food, lifting something, or feeling stressed do not cause miscarriage.

The guilt parents feel is real, but it is not justified by the evidence. You did not cause your miscarriage.

Myth 2: "Stress causes miscarriage"

Everyday stress, including work stress, arguments, or being upset, does not cause miscarriage. The type of stress that has been linked to miscarriage in some studies is severe, prolonged trauma, and even then the evidence is mixed.

A review in Human Reproduction Update in 2017 found no conclusive link between normal stress and miscarriage. If you are struggling with anxiety, do seek help, but do not blame your loss on your feelings.

Myth 3: "Exercise causes miscarriage"

Moderate exercise is safe in pregnancy and is recommended by the NHS. Running, swimming, yoga, and strength training are all fine if you are used to them. Contact sports and scuba diving should be avoided, but ordinary exercise does not cause miscarriage.

A 2018 study in the BMJ found that women who exercised in early pregnancy had no higher rate of miscarriage than those who did not.

Myth 4: "One miscarriage means you'll lose the next one too"

Around one in five pregnancies ends in miscarriage, but after one loss the chance of a second is only slightly higher than for anyone else. Most women who have one miscarriage go on to have a healthy pregnancy next time. Even after three losses, around 50-60% of women go on to have a live baby with the right care.

Myth 5: "You can't get pregnant again for six months"

You can try to conceive again as soon as you feel ready. The old advice to wait three or six months is outdated. NICE guidance says you can try again after one period, or even sooner if you want to. Some women prefer to wait for dating reasons, but there is no medical need to wait.

In fact, a 2016 study in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who conceived within six months of a miscarriage had slightly better outcomes than those who waited longer.

Myth 6: "Lifting something heavy causes miscarriage"

Lifting your toddler, shopping, or a normal workload does not cause miscarriage. There is some evidence that very heavy physical work (such as repeated heavy lifting in certain jobs) may slightly raise risk, but everyday lifting is safe.

Myth 7: "Eating pineapple, spicy food, or drinking ginger tea causes miscarriage"

The best defence against myths is the truth. If you have heard a claim about miscarriage that worries you, check it against NHS or NICE guidance, or ask a midwife. You deserve facts, not fear.