One out of five pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Although miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy prior to the middle of the second trimester, most occur within the first 12 weeks. Recurrent miscarriage is a term typically applied after three successive miscarriages.

Causes are often unknown, but can include structural defects, genetic defects and medical conditions of the couple or chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo. Exposure to toxic substances such as drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine or environmental hazards such as radiation have also been known to play a role in miscarriage.  

Diagnosis will begin with a medical history review and physical examination. Additional testing may include chromosome mapping for genetic defects, screening for diabetes, thyroid disease and auto immune disorders, hormone level testing, ovum tracking, endometrial biopsy, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and ultrasound. Once a diagnosis has been determined, your physician may recommend treatment through surgery or medication.

As heartbreaking as recurrent miscarriage can be, the odds are eventually in your favor. In women who have previously had a successful pregnancy prior to recurrent miscarriage, 70% will have another successful pregnancy. In women who have had no previous success, 60% will eventually complete a successful pregnancy. Meanwhile, it can be beneficial to seek emotional care and resources through the support programs available at Conceptions.