Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) FAQs
Understanding Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)
Losing a pregnancy can be heartbreaking. Sadly, this painful experience is very common – the risk of miscarriage in any given pregnancy is about 15%. Recurrent, consecutive pregnancy loss is significantly less common.
Working with a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, who will take the time to understand your health, your pregnancy history, talk out your concerns, and then create a personalized treatment plan, tailored to you, as a individual is the best way to overcome miscarriage or RPL.
Our Kindbody staff understand the hardship patients experience after a loss, and we work diligently on your behalf to ensure that you are supported and championed on your journey to fertility success.
Miscarriage is also called “early pregnancy loss” and is defined as spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week.
Single instance, early miscarriages are more common than many realize. Among those who know that they are pregnant, it’s estimated about 1 in 8 of such pregnancies will end in miscarriage.
Most miscarriages occur in the first 13 weeks of gestation, with a miscarriage formally defined as losing a pregnancy during the first 20 weeks.
Certain medical conditions and diseases can increase the chance of miscarriage. For example, immune system disorders and blood clotting disorders as well as thyroid dysfunction and diabetes can cause miscarriage when left untreated. Infections such as listeria, gonorrhea, and measles can also increase the risk of pregnancy loss.
Genetic abnormality accounts for the vast majority of pregnancy losses. A genetic abnormality is present when there is an extra or missing chromosome in an embryo. The root cause of genetic issues is unknown, but the age of each of the contributing genetic parents are understood to be a component.
Certain uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids or a uterine septum, can cause difficulty with embryo attachment to the uterine wall. Surgical treatments can correct uterine issues, which boosts the chances of pregnancy success.
It is important to understand that when a miscarriage happens, it is not your fault. A miscarriage rarely occurs due to the actions of a pregnant woman. Going for a run, having sex, taking (most) medications, or suffering a light fall will not cause a miscarriage.
With so many variables, it can be difficult to pinpoint a precise cause.
Recurrent pregnancy loss has been historically defined as the occurrence of three or more consecutive pregnancy losses, however, The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has recently redefined recurrent pregnancy loss as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses.
Although single instance, early miscarriage is relatively common, just 2 percent of pregnant women experience two pregnancy losses in a row, and only about 1 percent have three consecutive pregnancy losses.
It is best to consult a physician after experiencing two consecutive miscarriages.
Although all of our board certified Kindbody Reproductive Endocrinologist are exceptionally qualified to assist patients with a treatment plan to overcome pregnancy loss and achieve conception Dr. Kristin Bendikson, Dr. MacKenzie Purdy and Dr. Julie Rhee all have an additional level of academic interest and commitment to the topic of RPL and are responsible for driving Kindbody’s innovative treatments.
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