'Harry and Meghan' documentary: Exploring the link between stress and miscarriage

In the latest episodes of Prince Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary ‘Harry & Meghan’, the couple speak about their experience of miscarriage and the role they feel stress played in the loss of their baby in July 2020.   

1 in 5 pregnancies will end in miscarriage and unfortunately, we still don’t know why every miscarriage happens. That’s why we opened the UK’s only Research Centre dedicated to understanding miscarriage and preventing it. 

As it stands, our research doesn't currently show that stress directly causes miscarriage. Women who experience persistent high stress do have higher rates of miscarriage, but more research is needed to understand whether stress, or other factors, are the cause. The most important thing is to get the right treatment and support at the right time during any pregnancy journey.  

Professor Siobhan Quenby, Deputy Director at Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research explains:  

Evidence shows women who experience miscarriage are at a higher risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health problems, which is why families need specialist care and support after pregnancy loss.  

Harry and Meghan talked about the impact of stress in their lives on Meghan’s miscarriage. Research from Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research in The Lancet, shows an assocation between some factors, including persistent high stress, and increased risk of miscarriage. However, we need to do more research to understand whether this is a causal link, because stress is often linked with other lifestyle factors which also increase miscarriage risk like lack of sleep and not eating well.

It’s natural to get stressed in pregnancy and being concerned about whether anxiety or stress affects your baby is understandable. Losing a baby is a deeply personal experience that affects people differently. No matter when in your pregnancy you miscarry, you may need support to help you come to terms with what’s happened.  

Tommy’s Midwifery Manager, Amina Hatia, has shared advice in light of the documentary airing:

We at Tommy's know that anyone who has experienced a miscarriage or pregnancy loss will question why it has happened, often blaming themselves, feeling guilty about what they feel they did or didn't do and looking for answers as to why it happened. 

We have very little control over stress in our lives, and in any pregnancy it is natural at times to feel a bit anxious or stressed. Therefore, telling people ‘not to stress’ for their own emotional and physical health doesn’t usually work. It can be counterproductive as it can cause more guilt and worry, and lead to women and pregnant people feeling even more concerned about whether that anxiety or stress can affect their baby's growth and development. It’s important if you are feeling extremely anxious or are persistently stressed during your pregnancy that you speak to your healthcare team so they can provide additional support. 

We know this news will have been worrying for many in our community to have seen and heard, but don’t forget, we’re here for you.  

Our online information and resources are always available for anyone who has experienced baby loss. You can also talk to one of our midwives if you need support and advice.

We also have our new Miscarriage Support Tool available which has been developed for people who have had 1 or more miscarriages and are considering a next pregnancy or are under 12 weeks pregnant.