How effective is genetic carrier screening for recurrent miscarriage?

Carrier screening looks for variants that can be passed from a parent to a child, often without causing symptoms in the parent. When both partners carry a relevant condition, a pregnancy may be at increased risk of an inherited disorder. That information can guide counselling and future testing. Many miscarriages arise from causes that carrier screening does not assess, so a result may be informative without providing a complete explanation for previous losses.

Bring records from previous pregnancies, including any testing of pregnancy tissue, and a three-generation family history if available. Ask whether both partners should be screened and whether another evaluation is needed for uterine, hormonal, clotting, chromosomal, or other factors. Review any positive, negative, or uncertain result with a genetics professional. Treatment and future-pregnancy planning should follow the specific cause identified rather than the screening label alone.

Arrange an appointment with an obstetric or fertility specialist after recurrent losses, especially before trying again. During a pregnancy, seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fainting, fever, or one-sided pain. These symptoms require assessment even if genetic screening was reassuring.

Ask what screening can and cannot explain, whether pregnancy-tissue testing is available, and which non-genetic evaluations are appropriate. Ask how a finding would change care in a future pregnancy and whether a genetic counsellor should review the results.