Miscarriage and recurrent loss

This page is reference information compiled from the cited sources. It is not medical advice. For any decision about health, diagnosis or care, consult a qualified professional.

What it is

Recurrent miscarriage or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is the spontaneous loss of 2–3 pregnancies. The exact number of pregnancy losses and gestational weeks used to define RPL differs among medical societies. Pregnancy loss, also referred to as miscarriage or spontaneous abortion, occurs in up to 25% of pregnancies. Recurrent pregnancy loss occurs less frequently, with an estimated 5% of women experiencing two consecutive pregnancy losses and only 1% experiencing three or more. In the majority of cases, the exact cause of pregnancy loss is unexplained despite a thorough evaluation.

Key facts

It is estimated that recurrent pregnancy loss affects up to 5% of women. The cause of recurrent pregnancy loss is unknown in about 50% of cases. When a cause for RPL is identified, almost half are attributed to a chromosomal abnormality. RPL has been associated with several risk factors including parental and genetic factors, anatomical conditions, lifestyle factors, endocrine disorders, thrombophilia, immunological factors, and infections. Advanced maternal age is associated with increased risk of miscarriage, with a rate of 50% in women over 40 years of age. Fifteen percent of women who have experienced three or more recurring miscarriages have some anatomical reason. Parental chromosomal abnormalities are a rare cause of RPL, found in approximately 2-4% of cases. RPL can have a significant impact on the psychological well-being of couples and has been associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

When to seek professional help

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends a thorough evaluation after 2 consecutive pregnancy losses. This recommendation can differ from recommendations by other medical societies. Genetic evaluation of RPL is generally recommended in order to determine the need for genetic counseling and appropriate treatment. It is considered after individual risk assessment, such as family history. The European Association of Urology Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health recommends sperm DNA fragmentation testing in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss. Appropriate screening and management, such as pharmacologic or counseling services, should be considered by medical providers.

Source: Recurrent miscarriage (CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia)), retrieved 2026-10-07.