Recurrent Miscarriage

One miscarriage may come as a shocking blow to a couple, and unfortunately, some experience several in a row. Miscarriage is more common than generally thought, occurring in about 15% of all pregnancies; and often, even after a complete examination, the cause of recurrent miscarriage is still unknown.

The most common known cause of miscarriage is an abnormal fetus with an incorrect number of chromosomes ( or genes ) and "Mother Nature" correcting a mistake. Occasionally diseases in the female's reproductive tract are discovered by techniques that visualize the contour of the uterine cavity. Sometimes, the mother's immune system may be involved.

One miscarriage does not necessarily mean that others will occur, and patients are instructed to try again within two months. However, if two or more miscarriages occur, a medical evaluation is advised. An obstetrician / gynecologist usually completes the basic evaluation and may suggest further evaluation by a specialist.

A careful evaluation will find the cause of miscarriage in many women; however, as mentioned earlier, the most common cause is an abnormal embryo / fetus. The interior of the uterus must be normal to carry a pregnancy to term. If it is distorted by fibroids, polyps, septum, or scarring inside the cavity, then miscarriage becomes more likely. These problems are best detected by ultrasound, X - ray exams, or 3D ultrasonography.

Also, if the hormone progesterone is not present in sufficient amounts, then the endometrium ( lining of the uterus ) may not be prepared to support a pregnancy, and miscarriage is more likely. Progesterone medications can be administered to supplement that produced naturally by the female.

Occasionally the female's immune system mistakes the fetus as foreign material and attempts to destroy it, thereby causing a miscarriage.

Other less common problems include abnormal chromosomes in either parent or infections of the uterus. Some chromosomal diseases can be treated with preimplantation genetic diagnosis ( PGD ). Infections usually can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

Approximately, 60% of couples who experience a miscarriage will eventually conceive. We have specialists at the Jones Institute who have experience in treating recurrent miscarriage and can recommend the appropriate course of treatment.

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All information on our Web site is provided for educational purposes. Your health care professional should always be consulted for specific treatment recommendations.