Understanding and preventing miscarriage
The Miscarriage research group forms part of our department's Reproductive Medicine & Genetics theme and is led by Dr Jen Southcombe.
Interested in this research?
The Miscarriage Research Group
Why this project is important?
Miscarriage is the commonest complication of pregnancy. Around one in four pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, only 1-2% of miscarriages happen between 12 and 24 weeks.
A small minority of couples (less than 2% of the population) will suffer from recurrent miscarriage. This is defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Despite the fact that miscarriage is very common we still know very little about why it happens and how it might be prevented.
One of the possible causes for miscarriage may be that there is an abnormal response to the developing embryo by a woman’s immune system.
How the miscarriage research projecT can help
Our research aims to understand the importance of different immune cells, such as natural killer cells and regulatory T cells, in maintaining a normal pregnancy and how they may be associated with miscarriage.
We investigate immune cells in the endometrium (womb lining) of patients with a history of recurrent miscarriage, take part in research trials investigating treatments for miscarriage, and seek to understand the impact of miscarriage on women and their families.
Clinical studies
Useful links
Reproductive Medicine & Genetics Theme
The Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health manages over 30 research groups that fall within either Global Health, Cancer, Maternal & Fetal Health; Big data; and Reproductive Medicine & Genetics.
Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research
In May 2026, the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive health proudly took over as the new lead for Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research. The new partnership aims to leverage Oxford's world-class research expertise and facilities to accelerate the translation of research findings into clinical practice to improve miscarriage care and prevention for all.
Tommy's Graded Model of Miscarriage Care
A new study led by Oxford suggests that offering structured care from the first miscarriage could identify risk factors earlier and help prevent around 10,000 pregnancy losses each year in the UK.
Latest publications
The genetic architecture of sporadic and multiple consecutive miscarriage.
Journal article
Laisk T. et al, (2020), Nat Commun, 11
Characterisation of peri-implantation endometrial Treg and identification of an altered phenotype in recurrent pregnancy loss
Preprint
Granne I. et al, (2021)
L26/P-556 associations between luteal phase duration and early pregnancy loss: evidence from a digital fertility cohort
Journal article
Maslej L. et al, (2026), Human Reproduction, 41
The research team
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Jen Southcombe
Researcher in Reproductive Science
How can you help?
You can support the ongoing work of the Miscarriage research project through donations, collaborations and research support. If you wish to support our work, please contact us or contact Dr Jen Southcombe.