A:
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks.
Miscarriage happens in 10% to 20% of all pregnancies. This means the risk of having two miscarriages in a row, just by chance alone, is 2% to 3%.
Doctors interpret this number differently when they define the condition known as "recurrent pregnancy loss." Some diagnose it after two miscarriages, others after three.
There are many potential causes of recurrent pregnancy loss. And there are many tests to evaluate the condition. It is reasonable to do some less invasive testing after two losses and a complete evaluation after three.
No cause of recurrent miscarriage is found in about half of affected couples. Recognized causes include:
- abnormalities in the shape of the uterus
- genetic factors
- hormone deficiencies
- infections
- immune factors
An initial examination to investigate this condition might include:
- a careful review of all prior pregnancies
- a complete pelvic examination
- a variety of blood tests
Additional testing is based on these first results.
After two miscarriages in a row, the chance for a third is about 25%. The risk in a particular woman is influenced by several factors. These include:
- the age of the mother (the risk goes up with age)
- the cause of miscarriage
- the time in the pregnancy when the loss occurs (the risk goes up if a miscarriage happens later in pregnancy)
However, it is important to know that the outlook for a successful pregnancy is good for most couples with recurrent pregnancy loss. One study showed that more than 70% of couples will have a successful pregnancy even if no specific diagnosis is made and no treatment is given.
