Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: What are the Top Causes and Treatments?

miracle fertility
February 7, 2025

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a health issue that is marked by 2 or more miscarriages by a woman. There is termination of pregnancy before the span of 20 weeks. Also referred to as Habitual Abortion or Recurrent Miscarriage, it can happen due to various factors. Medically, there are various treatments available for women who suffer from the condition.

What are the Top Causes of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?

Recurrent pregnancy loss is usually noted in women with:

  • Uterine issues

When women suffer from problems like polyps, adhesions, uterine septum, fibroids, or cervical insufficiency, RPL can happen as a natural consequence.

  • Chromosomal abnormalities

The health issue can also arise due to the translocation of chromosomes or even due to the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in the embryo. In a few couples suffering from repeated miscarriages, one partner experiences a translocation. This means that a piece of a chromosome gets transferred to some other chromosome.

About 50% of miscarriages happen when an embryo gets an unusual number of chromosomes. Those who suffer from two or more miscarriages need to consult a doctor immediately and undergo a full medical exam. It can help check whether chromosomal abnormalities are the underlying issue.

  • Hormonal disorders

Recurrent pregnancy loss is often a problem in people with high levels of prolactin, diabetes, or thyroid conditions. When there are such hormonal problems, the body is not at all conducive to the thriving of the embryo.

  • Blood clotting disorders

In case there is any such disorder, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), Recurrent Pregnancy Loss can occur.

  • Lifestyle factors

When there is excessive alcohol use, smoking, drug use, or even overconsumption of caffeine, recurrent loss of pregnancy can happen.

How is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Treated?

Although Recurrent Pregnancy Loss is seen in around 1% of women of reproductive age, there are various types of treatments available for the same. These include:

  • Medication

Women with thyroid conditions are prescribed hormone therapy while blood thinners are recommended for clotting disorders and antibiotics are suggested for infections.

  • Surgery

When medications fail to bring about any desired improvement in condition, In-vitro fertilization (IVF), Transabdominal cervical cerclage, or Hysteroscopy can be the treatments of choice.

  • Lifestyle changes

Sometimes, making a few changes in everyday lifestyle can be enough to cure the condition. With regular exercise and weight loss, proper nutrition, stopping smoking, giving up heavy alcohol use or marijuana use, or limiting caffeine, it can be easier to treat the condition.

  • Genetic counseling

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for balanced translocation can also be useful.

  • Psychological support

Repeated pregnancy loss can be traumatic for women, as well as their partners. With effective counseling and emotional support, both individuals and couples can find it easier to deal with emotional pain.

In about 60% of cases, an accurate diagnosis can be made for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL). Correct treatment and rectification can be done with the proper consultation from a clinic and experience of doctors in the field of management of this condition. For expert care, high-risk pregnancy treatment centres in Kolkata can provide all-encompassing solutions and advance medical support for improving pregnancy outcomes.

Tags