It’s common to have a miscarriage, with approximately 15% to 20% of pregnancies ending up with the same, usually in the first trimester. One or even two miscarriages in a row usually don’t indicate future infertility and, thus, are not a matter of concern. More than half of the time, couples have healthy babies after having one or two miscarriages. 

However, losing more than three pregnancies in the early stage, also known as recurrent pregnancy loss, can be bothersome. In such a case, you should immediately undergo a thorough examination for reproductive problems.

So, how to know you are at risk of recurrent pregnancy loss? This article discusses some common signs and causes behind recurrent miscarriages.

What is Meant by Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?

Recurrent pregnancy loss or recurrent pregnancy loss is when a woman experiences three or more failed pregnancies in the early stage, even if she has successful pregnancies in between. Early miscarriage means losing the fetus in the first 13 weeks (first trimester) of pregnancy. In addition, it doesn’t matter if the pregnancies are from the same partner or not.

Risk of Recurrent Miscarriages: Knowing the Signs and Symptoms

Among many signs of miscarriage, the primary sign of back-to-back miscarriages is losing the pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation. However, this can be accompanied by the following miscarriage symptoms, increasing the risk of repeated pregnancy loss even more: 

• Vaginal bleeding
• Mild-to-severe back pain
• Cramping
• White-pink mucus vaginal discharge
• Contractions happening every 5 to 20 minutes
• Pelvic pain
• Tissue looking like a clot passes from your vagina
• Sudden decrease in signs of pregnancy

What Triggers Recurrent Miscarriages?

While often it can be hard to pinpoint the cause of miscarriage, many patients go on to have successful pregnancies after suffering from repeated miscarriages. However, knowing the triggers behind recurrent pregnancy loss can help fix them and prevent further losses and emotional stress. 

Below listed are some surprising causes that can trigger recurrent miscarriages:

• Abnormal Chromosomes

Chromosomes are the blocks of DNA that harbour the instructions for the fetus’ development. Random chromosomal abnormalities of embryos are among the most common causes that compromise 50% to 80% of first-trimester losses. These chromosome abnormalities can involve a baby developing with too many or too less number of chromosomes.

Sometimes, the chromosome’s structure itself develops in the wrong manner, and these chromosomal abnormalities are repeatedly passed on, leading to multiple miscarriages. 

• Blood Clotting Disorders

Blood clotting disorders, like antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can also cause repeated pregnancy failures. These immunological problems take place when the mother produces antibodies that cause clots in her blood vessels. The sticky blood further affects the flow of blood to the placenta, leading to its improper functioning. Hence, adequate oxygen and nutrients fail to reach the fetus, causing a miscarriage.

A number of blood tests can be suggested for all women and birthing individuals who experience recurrent pregnancy loss due to blood clotting disorders. Usually, these conditions are treated by thinning the blood with the help of aspirin or heparin (an anticoagulant).

• Uterine Anomalies

It’s reported that uterine structural problem triggers approximately 15% of recurrent miscarriages. Uterine anomalies can be congenital, such as a double uterus, a uterus divided by a wall (septate uterus), etc. Another uterine anomaly that can lead to pregnancy failure is intrauterine scarring. You might also have problems with polyps or fibroids – growths occurring in any place within your uterus.

There’s no need to be afraid of such issues, as many uterine anomalies can be treated before conceiving via surgical procedures if required. 

• Hormonal Imbalances

Having too many or too less of certain hormones can contribute to repeated pregnancy losses. For instance, having too much or not enough prolactin- a hormone that your pituitary gland produces to control milk production, can increase the chances of repeated miscarriages.

Besides this, thyroid problems have also been associated with pregnancy failure or other complications. High levels of thyroid antibodies or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) can contribute to miscarriage.

• Endocrine Problems

Endocrine issues that are found to contribute to recurrent miscarriages include diabetes, thyroid and pituitary gland diseases, and more. For instance, people with improperly managed diabetes often struggle to carry the fetus for nine months and are most likely to suffer from repeated miscarriages.

Females diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) also find it difficult to conceive. And even if they do, there is a relatively increased risk of multiple pregnancy losses. In addition, Luteal Phase Defect (LPD) suggests that the uterus’ ovaries are in suboptimal phase and, thus, lead to pregnancy failure. 

• Cervical Weakness

The cervix is a ring of muscles at your womb’s (uterus) base that connects the uterus with your vagina. When in labour, your cervix contracts and opens to allow the baby to pass through and be born. Sometimes, cervical weakness causes your cervix to contract and open before it should, usually in the second or third trimester, causing late miscarriage (second-trimester loss). 

• Environmental Factors

Other than medical problems, environmental factors can also increase your risk of experiencing recurrent pregnancy failures. Some of these factors include exposure to certain drugs, chemicals, pollutants, x-rays, etc.

Environmental factors related to your work and lifestyle can also impact your pregnancy outcomes, such as sticking to the desk for long, excess alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, or first-hand or second-hand smoking. Apart from this, obesity can contribute to miscarriage.

Summing up it all!

Often, the reasons for multiple pregnancy failures are unknown, but having any of the above-discussed issues can contribute to repeated miscarriages. However, you shouldn’t worry, as there is a 65% chance of having a successful pregnancy after having two miscarriages. You just need to follow the pregnancy health tips provided by professional gynaecologists.