What Causes Recurrent Miscarriage?

Recurrent miscarriage can be linked to antiphospholipid syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities, or a uterine septum, although the cause may need medical evaluation. These possibilities affect pregnancy in different ways, so one explanation cannot be assumed from the miscarriage history alone.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an immune-related condition associated with a tendency for blood clots and can interfere with a developing pregnancy. A chromosomal abnormality means that an embryo has a change in its genetic material; this may prevent normal development. A uterine septum is a partition of tissue inside the uterus. It can alter the space where a pregnancy implants and grows.

Recurrent pregnancy loss is not a sign that you caused the problem. In some people, testing identifies a contributing condition; in others, no single cause is found. Your clinician may review your pregnancy history and recommend targeted blood tests, genetic assessment, or imaging of the uterus based on your circumstances.

Arrange an appointment with an obstetrician, gynaecologist, or fertility specialist for an assessment before trying to conceive again, if possible. Bring records of previous pregnancies, scans, procedures, medicines, and any known family history. Ask which tests are appropriate and what each result could change. Do not start aspirin, anticoagulants, hormones, or supplements without advice; treatment depends on the underlying finding and your wider health. Emotional support or counselling can also help after repeated loss.

During a pregnancy, seek urgent medical care for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, fever, or feeling very unwell. These symptoms can require prompt assessment, including to exclude ectopic pregnancy or significant bleeding. After a miscarriage, urgent help is also needed for worsening pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or bleeding that makes you weak or light-headed.

Ask: Could antiphospholipid syndrome or another clotting-related condition be relevant for me? Would genetic testing or testing of pregnancy tissue be useful? Could imaging check for a uterine septum or another uterine difference? Which results would affect care before or during a future pregnancy? What symptoms should prompt me to contact the clinic immediately?