New findings from the 2025 National Women’s Health Survey reveal widespread misconceptions about the causes of early pregnancy loss (or miscarriage), potentially exposing women to misplaced guilt.
The survey, conducted by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health in partnership with the Pink Elephants Support Network and Early Pregnancy Loss Coalition, found that many women still believe common myths about miscarriage.
Significant proportions of women incorrectly thought that lifting something heavy (61%), using birth control in the past (27%), having sex during pregnancy (8%) or eating spicy food (7%) could cause miscarriage. Most women (95%) correctly identified chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus as a common cause of early pregnancy loss. Similarly, most women (78%) recognised that smoking can increase the risk.
“It is heartbreaking that some, and perhaps many, women are carrying misplaced guilt on top of the grief,” said Dr Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.
“There are two really important reasons for action to dispel myths around early pregnancy loss. Firstly, we don’t want guilt or blame to add to what is already a devastating experience for families. Secondly, we want women to be able to make health and life decisions that are based on accurate knowledge and not fear.”
The survey also revealed almost 4 in 10 women in Australia who have been pregnant have experienced at least one miscarriage before 20 weeks’ gestation. Despite early pregnancy loss being a common experience, many women are not given adequate information or referred to support services after their loss.
“At Pink Elephants we see too many women blaming themselves for their miscarriage, the false narratives and myths that surround pregnancy loss dangerously disenfranchise our community's bereavement experience,” said Sam Payne, CEO of Pink Elephants Support Network.
“These important insights will help us to challenge the myths and finally remove them from the experience because women need to hear it’s not your fault that you lost your baby to miscarriage.”
Isabelle Oderberg, founder of the Early Pregnancy Loss Coalition, agreed that urgent action is needed.
“This data shows miscarriage is clearly far higher than the long-held, outdated, guesstimate of one in three or one in four," she said.
"Early pregnancy loss is a significant public health issue, with systemic support and education persisting at shameful levels that are far lower than what is needed for families; we need greater investment in research, services and education.”
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