Treatments for recurrent miscarriage
About 1 to 2% of women will experience recurrent miscarriages. The medical definition of 'recurrent' miscarriage is 3 or more consecutive miscarriages. However, some caregivers also take into consideration more than 3 miscarriages spread out between the births of other children. When a woman has a single (or even 2) miscarriages, most caregivers do not routinely perform tests to try and work out why they are happening. This is because in the majority of cases no cause will be found. However, if a woman goes on to have a 3rd miscarriage, it is more likely that a medical cause will be found, because it is unusual for a woman to have this many miscarriages in a row.
If possible, the baby lost from the 3rd (or more) miscarriage will be examined by the pathologist, carrying out chromosomal (or genetic) tests. This is aimed at picking up any inherited abnormalities. If a problem is found, both parents may be referred to a
genetic counsellor to discuss the miscarriages and talk about the prospects for further pregnancies. Genetic blood tests may also be carried out on both parents, to look for signs of carrying an inherited disorder.
After a 3rd miscarriage, you should see your local doctor. They may perform some blood tests or refer you onto an obstetrician or physician. If the miscarriage was managed in hospital, then tests may be performed by the hospital staff. In some cases, the tests will reveal a medical cause (such as an autoimmune disease, blood clotting disorder, diabetes, hormonal imbalance, kidney disease or low thyroid function). For many women, if these conditions are treated (or well controlled), the chances of another miscarriage will tend to be no greater than they are for other women without the condition.