Recurrent pregnancy loss is one of the most common problems which can lead to serious emotional and physical problems. Pregnancy loss or miscarriage is considered as the sudden loss of the baby within the 20th week of the baby but if the miscarriage happens two or more times, then it is considered as recurrent or repeated pregnancy loss.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Women often feel discouraged when they experience continuous miscarriages but it is essential to know that with proper guidance from an experienced doctor, you can attain a healthy pregnancy. Early diagnosis and proper prenatal care can be determined as the beneficial factors which can enable you to experience a successful conception.

Types of Recurrent Miscarriage

Recurrent miscarriages can be divided into two types based on the timing and stage of the pregnancy loss.

Recurrent Early Pregnancy Loss

Recurrent early miscarriages usually happen within the first trimester or before the 13th week of pregnancy. Abnormal chromosomal numbers and patterns play the main role behind such miscarriages. Improper growth and development of the embryo are also seen in most of the early pregnancy losses.

Recurrent Late Pregnancy Loss

Any pregnancy loss between the 13th and 20th week of pregnancy is considered a late miscarriage. Several physical causes and the inability of the cervix to hold the baby can contribute to pregnancy loss. The chances of late miscarriage are higher among women who have advanced age and have a history of recurrent miscarriages.

You must always know that by treating the underlying causes both types of recurrent miscarriages can be handled effectively.

Symptoms

The symptoms of recurrent miscarriages can vary from person to person. However, the common signs of this condition that most women experience are bleeding and severe pain. There can also be certain instances where the woman may experience no symptoms at all. Some of the other probable symptoms of recurrent pregnancy loss are:

  • Sudden Decrease in the Symptoms of Pregnancy
  • Absence of Fetal Movements
  • Spotting
  • Passing clot-like Tissues From the Vagina
  • Painful Contractions Happening After Every 5 Minutes
  • Severe Back Pain
  • Abnormal Mucus Discharge from the Vagina

Common Causes

Before recommending an effective treatment plan for recurrent pregnancy loss, it is essential to detect the underlying causes responsible for the condition.

Explore the various causes that can lead to repeated miscarriages:

Endocrine issues

Certain endocrine issues such as PCOS, thyroid, diabetes, and pituitary gland issues can cause serious hormonal imbalances, which can lead to miscarriages. In such cases, luteal phase defect (LPD) can be the key contributing factor.

Immunological conditions

Autoimmune diseases and other associated blood clotting disorders can also be the cause of miscarriage. In these conditions, the fetus usually dies due to deprivation of essential nutrients.

Genetic factors

The most common cause of recurrent pregnancy loss is genetic factors where the problems with your chromosomes can create defects in the embryo. Genetic mutation in one or both parents can lead to pregnancy loss.

Congenital abnormalities

Specific uterine abnormalities can also be found to be a cause of miscarriage. Some of such cases are scar tissues present in the uterine cavity, double uterus, uterine fibroids, and uterine septum.

Cervical incompetence

Rapid late miscarriages can be noticed among women who are suffering from cervical incompetence. Weak cervical tissues are the main cause of losing a healthy pregnancy.

Tests To Find The Cause

Accurate treatment for recurrent miscarriages is only possible when the actual cause for the pregnancy loss is determined. Some of the important tests that the doctor may perform include:

  • Blood tests for diabetes, thyroid, insulin resistance, and auto-immune disorders.
  • Chromosome testing to check fetal DNA and genetic mutations of parents.
  • Blood clotting studies to determine any abnormal clotting in the fetus.
  • HSG, X-ray, or ultrasound test to detect any reproductive system abnormalities

Treatment Options

Medications

The medications prescribed by the doctor may include blood thinning drugs and hormonal pills to manage hormonal imbalances. Certain medications to control immunologic reactions can also be prescribed.

Surgical treatments

If any structural abnormalities or fibroids are noticed then the doctor may perform surgeries.

Fertility treatments

Certain fertility treatments such as IVF along with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can be recommended if the cause behind miscarriage is genetic abnormalities.