Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses of clinically recognized pregnancies prior to 20 weeks of gestation. Clinically recognized pregnancies are those in which an ultrasound examination has confirmed the pregnancy or those in which pregnancy tissue has been identified after miscarriage. The condition usually affects >1% of the female population and thorough examination and tests are usually advised after two consecutive miscarriages. What causes recurrent pregnancy loss? Most pregnancy losses are random events and result from chromosomal, or genetic, abnormalities. The abnormality may come from the egg, the sperm, or the early embryo. Approximately 12-15% of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage; however, it is estimated that at least 30-60% of all conceptions will end within the first 6 weeks of gestation. Advancing maternal age is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, which is thought to be due to poor eg...