Understanding Repetitive Pregnancy Loss
August 12, 2025Experiencing pregnancy loss is heart-wrenching for any couple, but when it happens more than once, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. For those who have faced multiple miscarriages, the road to understanding why this happens can be filled with confusion and frustration. While many factors can contribute to pregnancy loss, one of the most significant and common causes is chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo.
What is Repetitive Pregnancy Loss?
Repetitive pregnancy loss is typically defined as the occurrence of two or more consecutive miscarriages. It affects a significant number of couples, though the exact statistics can vary depending on various factors like age, health conditions, and lifestyle. For many couples, a miscarriage is an isolated event, but for others, it becomes a recurring and painful experience.
The Role of Chromosomal Abnormalities
One of the main reasons for pregnancy loss, especially in cases of recurrent miscarriage, is chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo. Sometimes an embryo can develop with an incorrect number of chromosomes or with defective chromosomes. These abnormalities can occur during the formation of eggs or sperm, and when these faulty cells combine to form an embryo, the result is often a chromosomally abnormal embryo that cannot develop into a healthy pregnancy. Most of these chromosomal issues occur randomly and are not caused by anything a woman or couple has done. They are random events and usually unrelated to your health, lifestyle, or actions.
In fact, research has shown that chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for up to 50% of all first-trimester miscarriages and play a significant role in recurrent pregnancy loss.
Other Causes of Repetitive Pregnancy Loss
While chromosomal abnormalities are a major contributor to pregnancy loss, there are other factors that can also increase the risk of recurrent miscarriages. These include:
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Uterine Problems
Structural issues with the uterus can contribute to pregnancy loss. Conditions like fibroids, polyps, or septate uterus (a condition where the uterus is divided into two sections by a wall of tissue) can interfere with embryo implantation or affect the blood supply to the developing fetus. In some cases, surgical interventions can help correct these issues and improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
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Immune Problems
Some immune system disorders can play a role in recurrent miscarriages. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is one such condition where the immune system produces antibodies that can cause blood clots, potentially interfering with placental blood flow and leading to pregnancy loss. In addition, autoimmune disorders such as lupus may also increase the risk of miscarriage. Managing these conditions with appropriate treatments can often help reduce the risk of further pregnancy loss.
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Coagulation Problems
Certain clotting disorders can prevent proper blood flow to the placenta, leading to miscarriage. Inherited thrombophilia or blood clotting disorders such as Factor V Leiden mutation or prothrombin gene mutation can cause abnormal blood clotting, leading to complications in pregnancy. Blood thinners like heparin or aspirin may be prescribed to manage these conditions and help improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Sperm DNA fragmentation
Sperm DNA fragmentation has been shown to play a role in early pregnancy loss. If sperm DNA fragmentation turns out to be the reason behind repetitive pregnancy loss, lifestyle changes and vitamins can help in reducing the sperm DNA fragmentation index. For couples undergoing IVF, new microfluidics technology can help separate normal sperm cells from sperm cells with high DNA fragmentation.
Miscarriage Is Not Your Fault
For many women experiencing recurrent miscarriages, the feeling of guilt and self-blame can be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that chromosomal abnormalities are usually a random event and are not something you can control. The vast majority of these issues occur during the very early stages of development, and there is little you could have done to prevent them.
What Can Be Done?
If you’re experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss, know that you are not alone. Reach out to us, Azoury IVF Clinic medical team can help you identify potential causes and give you the appropriate treatment to help you achieve your parenthood dream.
