What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?

Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as the occurrence of three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. In clinical terms, a pregnancy loss occurs when a pregnancy ends involuntarily before the 20th week. Ultrasound has confirmed the pregnancy or pregnancy tissue has been identified after a loss has been identified.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Causes

Genetic abnormalities, or chromosomal abnormalities, are primarily responsible for most pregnancy losses. An abnormality can occur in the egg, sperm, or early embryo. At least 30-60% of all conceptions end within the first 12 weeks of gestation; however, 12-15% of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. Up to 50% of the time, the woman is unaware that she was pregnant. The risk of miscarriage increases with previous pregnancy losses, but it is typically less than 50%.

Treatment recommendations for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss are based on the underlying cause of the loss.