Pregnancy Loss Research Group | University College Cork

Pregnancy Loss Research Group

We lead national research to better understand pregnancy loss experiences and impacts, and the development of resources and evidence-based advice and interventions, to improve health care (quality) and health and social outcomes for women, babies and their families.

Research spotlights

Collaborating with young people to develop pregnancy loss and infertility resources

The SPRING Project – Supporting Pregnancy & Reproductive Health Information for Teenagers – is a collaboration between the Pregnancy Loss Research Group and Transition Year Students at St Angela’s College, Cork. The team has developed an information booklet and other resources - centered around 12 key messages - to increase knowledge and awareness of pregnancy loss amongst young people in secondary schools.

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New miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage information resources

Suite of resources now available to improve the care of people who experience miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage. They include information booklets, multi-lingual videos, an emergency room checklist, a clinic letter template and case studies. These were developed as part of the Health Research Board-funded RE:CURRENT study in collaboration with people with lived experience, health professionals and decision-makers in the maternity services.

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How can we better support workers who experience pregnancy loss?

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth commissioned the Pregnancy Loss Research Group to examine the workplace experiences and support needs of people who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks gestation. Read more about the PLACES project and view/download the final report and policy brief which include details of the nine recommendations made.

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Better care for recurrent miscarriage in Ireland

The RE:CURRENT project evaluated recurrent miscarriage (RM) services in Ireland to inform efforts to standardise and improve the quality of these services. The project was funded by the Health Research Board and is showcased in their latest edition of Health Research in Action. Read more about what the project involved, and its outcomes and impacts to date.

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Why don't we talk about pregnancy loss?

We produced an infographic to enhance advocacy and awareness around pregnancy loss - including key statistics and information for Ireland. Launched during Baby Loss Awareness Week 2023, we use this resource to advocate for enhanced structures, supports and resourcing for pregnancy loss, and encourage others to use it also.

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Why My Baby Died

Involving bereaved parents in their baby’s care and in the maternity hospital reviews that take place after a baby’s death can help parents manage their bereavement and plan for the future. In 2021, we interviewed 20 bereaved parents, about their experience and views, to investigate how they could be involved in maternity hospital perinatal death reviews in ways that benefit them and the review process itself. This graphic narrative – “Why my baby died” – tells their story, in their own words.

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The difference our work makes

Read our case study: Informing national clinical guidelines in pregnancy loss

The updated guidelines on different aspects of pregnancy loss – and the first national guideline on recurrent miscarriage – are an important step in standardising and enhancing services nationally.

Professor Keelin O'Donoghue

Clinical Lead for Guideline Development (Maternity and Gynaecology), NWIHP, and Lead, Pregnancy Loss Research Group

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Pregnancy loss supports

About our website

Through our website, we aim to share pregnancy loss research with a wide range of people, including researchers, health and social care professionals, people who have experienced pregnancy loss, policy-makers and many more. There are organisations and initiatives across Ireland, and beyond, which provide support services around different aspects and types of pregnancy loss. We include details of these on this website for your information.

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News and Media

25 Jul 2025

Professor Keelin O’Donoghue elected to Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Council

Professor Keelin O’Donoghue is one of five new Ordinary Councillors elected to the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) Council following a vote by Fellows of the College.

15 Jul 2025

Dr Daniel Nuzum awarded International Partnership for Perinatal Excellence Certification

Dr Daniel Nuzum was awarded certification as a healthcare professional in perinatal excellence by the International Partnership for Perinatal Excellence (IPPE) in July 2025.

L-R: Varsha Shetty, Professor Keelin O'Donoghue and Anne-Marie Farrell attending the HSR UK 2025 Conference at Newcastle University

14 Jul 2025

Pregnancy Loss Research Group members present at Health Services Research UK Conference in Newcastle

Professor Keelin O’Donoghue, PLRG Researcher Anne-Marie Farrell and UCC PhD Student Varsha Shetty attended the 18th Annual Health Services Research UK Conference at Newcastle University from 02 to 03 July 2025.

30 Jun 2025

Advancing Sexual Health Promotion: 2025 Annual Health Promotion Conference and new National Sexual Health Strategy

Members of the Pregnancy Loss Research Group attended and presented work from the SPRING project at the 29th Annual Health Promotion Conference in Galway on 26 June. This year’s conference focused on ‘From Awareness to Action: Advancing Sexual Health Promotion’, with the new National Sexual Health Strategy 2025–2035 published by the Department of Health the previous day.

Acknowledgement

This website was developed through the support of an Irish Research Council New Foundations Award, with the Irish Hospice Foundation as civic society partner.