Pregnancy Loss

Recurrent Pregnancy loss is defined as losing 2-3 consecutive pregnancies in the first trimester or the early second trimester of pregnancy. Recurrent pregnancy loss is also sometimes called habitual abortion or miscarriage or recurrent spontaneous abortion. Estimates suggest that around half of all embryos that implant will fail to lead to a successful pregnancy. Most pregnancy loss occurs before the tenth week, and the rate of miscarriage increases with maternal age, especially after age 35.

Recurrent pregnancy loss or recurrent miscarriage (RM) affects around 1-5 % of reproductive age couples. This diagnosis can be emotionally challenging and confusing for many couples, but studies indicate that even after three losses there is a very good chance of having a successful pregnancy when fertility treatments are used.

In evaluating a patient for RPL, a doctor should consider:

A review of all prior pregnancies and their outcomes

Screening the patient for conditions that can cause blood clots

Testing for certain autoimmune disorders

Chromosomal analysis of both partners

A Sonohysterogram or Hysterosalpingiogram (HSG) to screen for uterine abnormalities

Testing thyroid function and prolactin levels

Determination of egg quantity and quality

The treatment of RPL should be based on a doctor’s evaluation. If all test results appear normal, the odds of a favorable result are good. In studies of women with recurrent or unexplained pregnancy loss where no active medical treatments are used, successful pregnancies still occur in more than 65% of cases.