Social inequalities in the risk of miscarriage in the United Kingdom

One in four women experience a miscarriage. Loss of pregnancy may affect fertility intentions and lead to adverse mental and physical health. Yet, we know little about how social inequalities affect the risk of miscarriage and the few existing studies show mixed results. 

A social gradient in the risk of miscarriage may have multiple explanations including increased stress, and poorer health behaviours. Heini will refer to the 1970 British Cohort Study to investigate whether individual-level social inequalities are longitudinally associated with the likelihood of miscarriage. We apply random-intercept logistic regression to examine the likelihood of reported miscarriages according to markers of socioeconomic status, such as occupational social class, income or education. 

Preliminary results suggest a U-shaped relationship between occupation and the risk of miscarriage. Women in a less advantaged social classes might have a higher risk of miscarriage e.g. due to stress from precarious economic conditions or risky health behaviours. More advantaged social class might also be associated with stress in high-pressure occupations. A better understanding of this common reproductive event can help policy makers improve reproductive and population health.

This event will be particularly useful for those interested in quantitative social science, cohort studies, reproductive health, fertility and inequalities.

Related links

• QSS seminar series
• Quantitative Social Science (QSS)
• Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS)
• Social Research Institute

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