Can recurrent miscarriage be prevented?

A thorough evaluation can guide care when it identifies antiphospholipid syndrome, a uterine septum or another relevant condition. Sometimes no cause is found, and this does not mean that something you did caused the losses.

Pregnancy loss can arise from chromosomal changes in an embryo, structural differences in the uterus, clotting-related conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome, or some hormonal and medical disorders. Each pathway is assessed differently, and a treatment suited to one cause may be unhelpful or harmful for another.

Chromosomal changes may occur by chance and are not generally preventable through everyday actions. A uterine septum may prompt discussion of a procedure, while a confirmed clotting condition requires a diagnosis-specific medication plan.

Arrange a pre-pregnancy review to discuss the timing and details of previous losses, menstrual history, long-term conditions, medicines and family history. Depending on that history, evaluation may include blood tests, assessment of the uterus and genetic counselling or testing.

Take folic acid as advised before conception, avoid smoking and alcohol, and seek help to manage diabetes, thyroid disease or other known conditions. Do not start aspirin, blood-thinning injections, progesterone or supplements specifically for miscarriage prevention without an individual clinical plan.

Contact your maternity service early after a positive pregnancy test so it can arrange appropriate follow-up. Report vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain promptly. Emergency assessment is needed for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked weakness or feeling acutely unwell.

These warning signs require assessment because pregnancy bleeding can have several causes, including conditions that need urgent treatment. If you are faint or bleeding heavily, call emergency services and do not drive yourself.

Ask which investigations fit your history, whether the uterine cavity should be assessed, and what each possible result would change. Clarify which treatment is recommended, its potential harms, when to begin it, and what early-pregnancy support will be available.