Having one miscarriage can be devastating enough, but having one after another is often a very traumatic experience. The very thought of trying again can feel like an uphill struggle, with many couples already expecting another loss before the pregnancy has begun. There are many possible causes for recurrent miscarriage, including, genetic and hormonal problems, infection and thrombophilic (blood-clotting) defects and cervical weakness. Where possible, couples should be referred to a specialist unit dedicated to managing recurrent miscarriage.

Causes of recurrent miscarriage

Genetic: In a small number of cases, one partner may repeatedly pass on an abnormal chromosome, causing recurrent miscarriage. Both you and your partner should be offered a blood test to check for chromosomal abnormalities. In case the tests show a problem, you should be referred to a clinical geneticist for further testing.

Hormonal: In some rare cases an imbalance in pregnancy hormones can lead to conditions such as polycystic ovaries or PCOS, multiple cysts on a woman’s ovaries, which can cause miscarriage. Healthcare professionals can discuss the pros and cons of medical treatments for this.

Blood clotting disorders: Some blood clotting disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus can cause recurrent miscarriage. These rare disorders of the immune system affect the flow of blood to the placenta and may cause clots that prevent the placenta from functioning properly, depriving the baby of essential oxygen and nutrients, which again may lead to miscarriage.

Uterine problems: An abnormally shaped womb can increase your risk of recurrent miscarriage and premature birth. There are a number of ways to investigate the shape of the uterus and depending on the findings, surgery may be recommended.

If you face any of these problems, consult with the recurrent miscarriage specialists at NU Fertility@NU Hospitals, as it’s known to be one of the best infertility hospitals in Bangalore.