What is a Recurrent Miscarriage?

The definition of a recurrent miscarriage varies depending on the doctor asked.  Most doctors will agree that after three miscarriages a woman would be considered to have a recurrent miscarriage.  There are some physicians who will begin a medical evaluation after two back to back miscarriages, while other physicians will wait for three miscarriages. 

Signs and Symptoms of Recurrent Miscarriage

A recurrent miscarriage like other miscarriages may have vaginal bleeding which is the most common sign and symptom of miscarriage.  Other signs and symptoms may include abdominal cramping, a large amount of fluid that is discharged from the vagina, vaginal spotting, a positive pregnancy test which turns negative, a decreasing serum hCG level, inability to see or hear fetal heart tones, and pain or pressure in the lower back or pelvis.  To learn more Go To Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage. 

Causes of Recurrent Miscarriage

There are several causes for a recurrent miscarriage and at times an extensive medical evaluation needs to be performed to identify the actual cause.  One cause is genetic abnormalities within either the mother or the father.  The chromosomal abnormality is a translocation (movement of a portion of one gene to another) which may be found in about 4% of couples.  Other causes include infection (ie. Chlamydia, Cytomegalovirus, Genital herpes, Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, and Rubella), abnormal uterine anatomy (ie. unicornate uterus, septate uterus, etc.), incompetent cervix, abnormal hormonal levels within the mother (ie. low progesterone), systemic illnesses (ie. untreated thyroid disease or diabetes), immune disorders, and substance abuse.  To learn more about the causes Go To Cause of Miscarriage.

Treatment of Recurrent Miscarriage

The treatment for a recurrent miscarriage is finding the underlying cause of the recurrent miscarriage.  This entails possibly performing genetic testing on the mother and father to rule out possible chromosomal translocations.  Blood tests can be performed to evaluate for possible hormonal abnormalities, immune disorders, or systemic illenesses within the mother.  Cervical cultures can be performed to evaluate for possible infections.  Evaluation of the anatomical status of the uterus should also be performed to rule out any abnormalities.  If a incompetent cervix is the cause of the recurrent miscarriage then a cerclage (a stitch is placed into the cervix to prevent dilatation) can be placed to treat the woman.  If substance abuse is thought to be a cause of a recurrent miscarriage, then substance abuse counseling should be given to the woman. 

Another aspect of a recuurent miscarriage that should be evaluated and added to the treatment plan is the coping of a recurrent miscarriage.  The couple will be extremely nervous getting pregnant again and also extremely devastated at another miscarriage.  To learn more Go To Treatment of Miscarriage.

It is recommended that a couple wait at least one regular menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again after a recurrent miscarriage.