Second trimester miscarriage

A second trimester (or ‘late’) miscarriage is one that happens after 12 and before 24 completed weeks of pregnancy. The majority of miscarriages occur within the first 12 completed weeks (first trimester) of pregnancy. Miscarriages occurring in the second trimester of pregnancy are uncommon and often unexpected. The incidence of miscarriage in the second trimester varies depending on the gestational age in weeks that is used in definitions and depending on whether the pregnancy has been dated and evaluated using ultrasound. Miscarriages during the first and second trimester of pregnancies have quite different causes, with second-trimester miscarriages more aligned to those of stillbirth.

Our research in this area

Classification
Lived experiences
Medical morbidity
Preterm premature rupture of the membranes in the second trimester
Psychological and support interventions
Public awareness and knowledge
Risk factors
Role of perinatal pathology
Subsequent pregnancy outcomes

Key publications

Filters and search

Category	Category	Keywords	Year	Title	Abstract	Actions
Journal Article	Journal Article	Early pregnancy / Early pregnancy loss, Ectopic pregnancy, First-trimester miscarriage, Miscarriage, Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, Pregnancy loss, Second-trimester miscarriage, Termination of pregnancy	2024	Statutory leave for early pregnancy loss: A comparative study	Our study identified two main approaches to leave introduced for pregnancy loss before viability: sick leave model and compassionate leave model. What works in individual jurisdictions will depend-among other factors-on the way in which leave more broadly is addressed.	More details Read publication
Report	Report	Early pregnancy / Early pregnancy loss, Ectopic pregnancy,Experience, Fatal fetal anomaly, First-trimester miscarriage, Molar pregnancy / Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, Second-trimester miscarriage, Termination of pregnancy	2024	PLACES \| Pregnancy Loss (under 24 weeks) in Workplaces: Informing policymakers on support mechanisms	A report submitted to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) in fulfilment of the requirements of the tender for the provision of a qualitative research study to examine the workplace experiences of people dealing with pregnancy loss.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	COVID-19, Miscarriage, Neonatal death, Perinatal pathology, Stillbirth	2022	Fetal deaths in Ireland due to SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis caused by SARS-CoV-2 Alpha	COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 Alpha was associated with seven fetal deaths in the Republic of Ireland in early 2021.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Awareness / Knowledge, First-trimester miscarriage, Miscarriage, Second-trimester miscarriage	2021	Reproductive health knowledge about miscarriage: A cross-sectional study of university students	This cross-sectional study of 746 university students demonstrates a lack of knowledge about miscarriage. Heavy bleeding, cramping and pain were identified as common features for miscarriage; however, knowledge of type of management, and diagnostic tests available was poor.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Second-trimester miscarriage	2019	Subsequent pregnancy outcomes following second trimester miscarriage—A prospective cohort study	Women with second-trimester miscarriage in our study had a notable rate of recurrence (6.3%). Second-trimester miscarriage is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. It merits close observation during pregnancy, particularly women with a history of periviable loss.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Miscarriage, Second-trimester miscarriage	2017	Psychological and support interventions to reduce levels of stress, anxiety or depression on women’s subsequent pregnancy with a history of miscarriage: an empty systematic review	Our ‘empty’ systematic review highlights the need for randomised controlled studies to assess the effect of interventions to reduce stress in pregnant women with a history of miscarriage.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Experience, Miscarriage, Recurrent miscarriage	2017	Experience of miscarriage: an interpretative phenomenological analysis	This study of men and women’s experience with miscarriage involved interviewing 16 participants. Six major themes around experience of miscarriage were identified. Key findings include a need for increased awareness of miscarriage and to prioritise investigating miscarriage.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Second-trimester miscarriage	2016	The postnatal morbidity associated with second-trimester miscarriage	We assessed complications in women with second trimester pregnancy loss. Their management is complicated by high rates of morbidity requiring medical intervention. Awareness of these risks should inform clinical practice.	More details Read publication
Journal Article	Journal Article	Second-trimester miscarriage, Termination of pregnancy	2016	Neonatal and maternal outcomes following midtrimester preterm premature rupture of the membranes: a retrospective cohort study	This study provides useful and contemporary data on midtrimester preterm premature rupture of membranes. Whilst fetal and neonatal mortality is high, long-term survival is not impossible. The increased risk of maternal morbidity necessitates close surveillance.	More details Read publication

Research projects

Causes and consequences of pregnancy loss and perinatal death

Miscarriage in Ireland

The Coronial Investigation into Perinatal Deaths

Our people

Professor Keelin O’Donoghue
Sue Dineen
Dr Brendan Fitzgerald
Dr Laura Linehan
Dr Hadas Miremberg
Dr Indra San Lázaro Campillo
Dr Jessica White

Pregnancy Loss Research Group

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Second trimester miscarriage