Miscarriage is one of the most disappointing events that can happen to a couple, especially if they have been through infertility treatments. Sometimes treatments, such as IUI or IVF, can take several months to succeed and they are sometimes expensive.

Some couples experience recurrent miscarriage, which is defined as three or more miscarriages prior to the twentieth week of pregnancy.

There is not always an explanation for miscarriage but there are several known factors. In some ways, miscarriage may be natures way” of ending pregnancies that are sure to result in severe fetal abnormalities.

Many miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus known as aneuploidies. For unknown reasons, the chromosomes may not separate properly and a fetus with an abnormal number of chromosomes results. It is also possible to have broken chromosomes that lead to miscarriage.

The uterus must be free of obstructions to support a developing fetus. Large polyps or fibroids can interfere with pregnancy and lead to miscarriage. However, these conditions are ruled our, or treated, when a patient undergoes an evaluation by a fertility specialist.

Severe uterine infections can cause miscarriage, as can endocrine disorders including thyroid disease, diabetes, high prolactin levels, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Sometimes immunologic factors are involved where the female’s body mistakes the fetus for an invading pathogen and attempts to destroy it by making antibodies.  There is also evidence that clots may form in the fetus which could be a major cause of recurrent miscarriage.  Tests including lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin, Protein C, Protein S, anti-thrombin, and Factor V leiden may be conducted.

Finally, the couples’ chromosomes may also be studied if there have been several miscarriages.  This is to make sure there is not a chromosome abnormality present in the couple.

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