Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as two or more miscarriages and occurs in up to 5% of women. This can be an extremely challenging diagnosis as up to 50% of the time we will not be able to identify the underlying reason for the recurrent miscarriages.
It is important to acknowledge the physical and emotional toll this can take on both you and your partner and to allow time to process your loss. Equally, it is really important to seek specialist advice and investigate potential underlying causes as many can be easily treated to potentially improve the outcome of any future pregnancy.
Up to 75% of miscarriages can be attributed to chromosomal defects in the embryo. Other contributing causes of recurrent pregnancy loss include:
Uncovering the potential causes of recurrent pregnancy loss and mapping the path to treating it needs to be undertaken with an experienced fertility specialist. We recommend some standard investigations at your initial consultation, which will include an advanced semen analysis, detailed imaging of your uterus with a technique called a sonohystogram, genetic testing for both you and your partner, and a recurrent pregnancy loss screen, which will look at blood clotting disorders, hormonal profiles, and autoimmune conditions.
With advanced training as a sub-specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (CREI), Elle has a thorough understanding of the management of recurrent pregnancy loss, and was a co-author of the most current Australasian Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Clinical Management Guidelines.
Women who choose not to undergo any treatment can still have a reasonable chance of conceiving and carrying a pregnancy to full term despite experiencing multiple miscarriages in the past.
If chromosomal problems are found to be responsible for recurrent pregnancy losses, we may suggest IVF with genetic testing. This allows us to select only the embryos that pass the genetic screening to be considered for transfer to your uterus to carry through pregnancy.
This can be different for everyone. 50% of the time we will not find an underlying cause for the miscarriages, in which case you may consider continuing to try and conceive naturally. Some couples may elect to undergo assisted conception with IVF for the purposes of testing embryos to ensure the embryos are chromosomally normal.
Chromosomal abnormalities can account for up to 75% of all miscarriages and are unfortunately increasingly more common with increasing maternal age.
Close surveillance of the pregnancy is important. Speak to your doctor about monitoring your pregnancy via HCG levels and early dating scans. Should another miscarriage occur, it is very beneficial to try and test the chromosomes of that pregnancy to determine if a chromosome abnormality is the underlying cause.
Dr Danielle Robson, fertility specialist, consults at three locations across Sydney: the CBD, Chatswood, and Manly. A referral from a general practitioner is required for all initial appointments.
Book today by calling 1300 330 279 or click the button below.
Danielle is a fertility specialist and gynaecologist with an interest in fertility preservation, premature ovarian insufficiency, and menopause management. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and a sub-specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
© 2025 All rights reserved. Dr Danielle Robson. ABN 18 859 484 739