Recurrent Miscarriage

Experiencing pregnancy loss can be emotionally and physically devastating. At Genus, we understand that every loss matters. Whether your miscarriages occurred after natural conception or fertility treatment, our aim is to help identify any contributing factors, provide clear information and support, and develop an individualised plan for future pregnancies

Recurrent Miscarriage Treatment

Recurrent Miscarriage

Experiencing pregnancy loss can be emotionally and physically devastating. At Genus, we understand that every loss matters. Whether your miscarriages occurred after natural conception or fertility treatment, our aim is to help identify any contributing factors, provide clear information and support, and develop an individualised plan for future pregnancies

What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?

Miscarriage is common and is estimated to affect around one in four pregnancies. Recurrent miscarriage, also known as recurrent pregnancy loss, refers to repeated pregnancy losses before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Whilst traditional definitions required three consecutive miscarriages, current practice increasingly supports investigation after two pregnancy losses, particularly where there are additional risk factors or concerns.

In many cases, a successful pregnancy is achieved following recurrent miscarriage, even when no specific cause is identified.

What Can Cause Recurrent Miscarriage?

Recurrent miscarriage is a complex condition and often results from a combination of factors. Possible causes include:

  • Chromosomal abnormalities within the embryo
  • Increasing maternal age and age-related decline in egg quality
  • Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
  • Thyroid disorders and other hormonal conditions
  • Poorly controlled diabetes
  • Structural abnormalities of the uterus
  • Fibroids or scar tissue affecting the uterine cavity
  • Cervical insufficiency in later pregnancy losses
  • Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity and excessive alcohol consumption

In many couples, no clear cause is identified despite comprehensive investigation.

Investigating Recurrent Miscarriage

Our Recurrent Miscarriage Assessment is designed to identify factors that may contribute to pregnancy loss and help guide future treatment.

Investigations are tailored to your individual circumstances and may include:

  • Antiphospholipid syndrome testing
  • Inherited thrombophilia screening in selected circumstances
  • Thyroid function assessment
  • Hormonal investigations
  • Diabetes screening and glucose assessment
  • Vitamin deficiency screening
  • Chromosomal analysis where appropriate
  • Detailed pelvic ultrasound, including 3D ultrasound assessment of the uterus
  • Assessment of the uterine cavity where indicated, including saline sonography or hysteroscopy
  • Assessment of endometrial factors in selected circumstances, including investigations for chronic endometritis and the endometrial microbiome
  • Additional investigations based on your personal and reproductive history

We will recommend investigations appropriate to your individual circumstances and supported by the available evidence.

Treating Following Recurrent Miscarriage

Treatment depends entirely on the findings of your assessment. Where a specific cause is identified, treatment may include:

  • Low-dose aspirin and heparin for antiphospholipid syndrome and selected thrombophilic conditions where appropriate
  • Optimisation of thyroid function or other hormonal conditions
  • Hysteroscopic treatment of uterine cavity abnormalities such as polyps, adhesions or selected fibroids if clinically indicated
  • Lifestyle optimisation where appropriate
  • Treatment of chronic endometritis where identified

For some couples, IVF treatment or pre-implantation genetic testing may be discussed in selected circumstances, depending on the underlying cause, fertility history and previous pregnancy outcomes.

Even when no specific cause is identified, many couples go on to achieve a successful pregnancy with supportive care and close monitoring.

FAQs

Miscarriages are not necessarily more common than in the past, but earlier pregnancy testing means many pregnancies are identified much sooner. As a result, early pregnancy losses that may previously have gone unrecognised are now more likely to be detected.

Approximately 80% of miscarriages occur during the first trimester, most commonly during the first 12 weeks.

No. We see patients after one or more pregnancy losses, particularly where there are concerns about fertility, maternal age or previous pregnancy history. Early assessment can sometimes provide reassurance and identify factors that may influence future pregnancies.

Not always. Whilst investigations can identify a contributing factor in some cases, many couples will receive normal results. This does not mean a successful pregnancy cannot be achieved. Our role is to interpret the findings carefully, discuss what they mean for you and help develop the most appropriate plan moving forward.

Start your journey with Genus Fertility today.

If you’re looking for a clearer picture of your fertility health or you’re ready to start a family, we’d love to hear from you.

CONTACT US

Genus Fertility
Three Wester Shawfair
EH22 1FD
Edinburgh

T: 0131 374 4855

E: reception@genusfertility.co.uk

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LICENSED BY

QUICK LINKS

Fertility Assessments CROSS V2
Fertility Treatments CROSS V2
Fertility Preservation CROSS V2
Book Online CROSS V2
Genus Fertility

GENUS FERTILITY

Genus Fertility
Three Wester Shawfair
EH22 1FD
Edinburgh

T: 0131 374 4855

E: reception@genusfertility.co.uk

PRIVACY POLICY

© 2026 Copyright Genus Medical Fertility, all rights reserved