Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Print Email SHARE

Question:

My husband and I are trying to conceive. I've had three miscarriages. Is it time to look for a fertility specialist?

Answer:

Three consecutive miscarriages define the condition of recurrent pregnancy loss. So it is appropriate for you to see a fertility specialist.

Many different conditions can cause recurrent pregnancy loss. A specialist will help find the cause and help you understand your expectations for future pregnancy.

About 15% of established pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous end of pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. The percent is even higher if very early losses are included.

Most women who have a miscarriage have no problem carrying a future pregnancy. The risk of a future miscarriage increases after each miscarriage — unless the cause is identified and treated.

Recurrent pregnancy loss is very disappointing and the reason cannot always be determined. However, many causes can be identified and treated. Possible causes of recurrent pregnancy loss include uterine factors (fibroids, adhesions), cervical weakness, immunologic causes, hormone insufficiency, and genetic factors.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	July 29, 2009

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, Use of Content Agreement and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.