What to expect from genetic carrier screening for recurrent miscarriage

Carrier screening identifies gene changes that can matter when a child inherits relevant changes from both biological parents. It does not diagnose the cause of every miscarriage, and many pregnancy losses arise from factors that carrier screening cannot detect. Your clinician may also discuss pregnancy tissue testing, chromosome analysis, uterine assessment, hormonal or metabolic evaluation, and other history. A negative result covers only the conditions on the panel. A carrier finding may lead to testing the other partner and a genetics consultation.

Bring records from previous pregnancies, pathology or genetic reports, and a family history from both sides when available. Ask whether testing is recommended for you, your partner, or both, and which conditions are included. Collection usually uses blood or saliva. Results may be negative, show carrier status, or need further clarification. If a shared inherited risk is found, counselling can review options for future pregnancy, embryo testing, prenatal diagnosis, or other paths. You can take time to consider choices and ask for written explanations.

Seek urgent care for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, fever, or feeling acutely unwell during a pregnancy or after a miscarriage. Contact your clinician promptly if a family member has a known inherited condition or if testing from a previous pregnancy showed a chromosome or gene finding. These details can affect which evaluation is offered and when.

What can this screen explain, and what can it not explain? Which additional evaluations are appropriate after recurrent miscarriage? Should my partner be tested? What would a carrier result mean for a future pregnancy?