Recurrent miscarriage is the term used for the loss of 2 or more early pregnancies in a row. The losses are only diagnosed as recurrent if they each happen within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Up to 3 in every 100 women have recurrent miscarriages. This means that 97 out of every 100 do not.
No cause or risk factor is found in about half of all recurrent miscarriages.
What happens if you have recurrent miscarriages
Your GP or hospital may refer you to a recurrent miscarriage clinic if you have 2 or more early miscarriages.
Recurrent miscarriage clinics are not available in all areas. Your GP or hospital may refer you to a local consultant instead.
Your team or consultant will investigate the cause of your miscarriages. They will talk to you about your losses and offer you support.
Your appointment
When you visit the clinic, the team will:
- take your medical history
- talk to you about your pregnancy losses
- talk to you about your plans for another pregnancy
- arrange follow-up visits and referrals to other services
- recommend tests, such as blood tests
Tests you may have
The tests you have depend on your circumstances. The team will assess your risk factors.
They may recommend:
- blood tests for thyroid function or clotting conditions - such as antiphospholipid syndrome
- hormonal testing
- checking previous pregnancy tissue for chromosome problems
- genetic testing - if you had 3 miscarriages in a row, or 2 if you are aged under 35
Treatment options
Treatment options for recurrent early miscarriages vary depending on your diagnosis.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine for conditions such as:
- antiphospholipid syndrome - an immune system problem that can cause your blood to clot
- thyroid disease
If the cause of your pregnancy loss is not known and depending on your situation, your doctor may prescribe:
- high-dose folic acid
- aspirin
- progesterone
If you and your partner have chromosome problems, your specialist may look at your options including:
- further natural conception
- IVF with genetic testing
- egg and sperm donation
Sometimes there is no treatment to reduce your risk of another miscarriage.
If you get pregnant again
If you get pregnant again, it can be a worrying time. But after treatment for recurrent miscarriages, you can get extra care.
Your care will include:
- regular check-ups
- supportive care
- contact details for someone to call if you have any worries about your pregnancy
- pregnancy plans
- regular ultrasound examinations
Unexplained recurrent miscarriages
In about half of cases, doctors cannot find a cause for recurrent miscarriages. But you can still get supportive care at an early pregnancy assessment unit. With this support, you are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy.