Groundbreaking Research Links Faulty Womb Lining to Preventable Pregnancy Loss

A major new study has provided valuable insights into the causes of pregnancy loss, highlighting the role of abnormal womb lining processes that can be potentially preventable. Conducted by researchers from the University of Warwick and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, this research uncovers how issues with the endometrial lining—the tissue that lines the uterus—contribute to recurrent miscarriages. This discovery could lead to new, targeted treatments for women experiencing repeated pregnancy losses.

Every year, approximately 1 in 6 pregnancies end in miscarriage, most often before the 12-week mark. While embryo quality has been extensively studied in relation to miscarriage risks, the condition of the womb lining has largely remained a mystery. The new research, published in Science Advances, uncovers a crucial piece of this puzzle: the dysfunction of the decidual reaction—a biological process that prepares the womb lining for pregnancy each month. When this reaction is impaired or dysregulated, it creates an unstable environment for embryo implantation, increasing the chances of bleeding and early pregnancy loss.

The study analyzed over 1,500 biopsies from more than 1,300 women, revealing that this abnormal response is often recurrent across menstrual cycles, especially in women with a history of miscarriage. Furthermore, previous miscarriages seem to heighten the likelihood of future womb lining issues, explaining the tendency for miscarriage to recur.

Professor Jan Brosens, a lead researcher, emphasized that while chromosomal errors in embryos are known to cause some miscarriages, this research points to the endometrial lining itself as a significant, often overlooked factor. The findings suggest that early detection and measurement of the uterine environment could help identify women at risk and guide personalized preventative treatments.

Building on this knowledge, the team has developed a diagnostic test that measures molecular signals indicative of a healthy versus dysfunctional decidual reaction. The test, now piloted at UHCW NHS Trust, has already assisted over 1,000 patients. Women like Holly Milikouris, who experienced five miscarriages, benefitted from this approach, discovering that her womb lining was poorly prepared for pregnancy. After targeted treatment, she was able to carry two successful pregnancies to term.

This advancement offers hope for many women who previously felt their pregnancy loss was due to bad luck or unexplainable causes. Dr. Tajnin Islam, who also benefited from the new testing and treatment, now has a healthy 16-month-old son and believes this research could transform reproductive healthcare. Traditionally, fertility diagnostics focus on embryo quality, hormone levels, or genetics, but this breakthrough emphasizes the critical role of the womb itself.

Overall, this research opens new avenues for pre-conception care, personalizing treatment, and reducing the emotional and physical toll of miscarriage. It highlights the importance of understanding the womb environment—an area that has been neglected—ultimately improving the chances of successful pregnancies for women worldwide.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-major-faulty-womb-lining-pregnancy.html