Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before viability. Occurring in 15-20% of all pregnancies, it is the most common complication of pregnancy. Studies show that approximately 25% of all women experience at least one miscarriage in their lives. The Stanford Medicine Fertility and Reproductive Health team offers a multidisciplinary approach to optimize your overall health before even conceiving, with the goal of giving you the best chances for a successful, sustained pregnancy.

The individual risk of pregnancy loss may vary depending on age and other factors. Despite its prevalence, many women feel isolated and responsible for the loss of a pregnancy. The unfortunate fact of miscarriages is that the vast majority of them are not preventable because they are due to developmental or genetic problems in the embryo or fetus that cannot be treated.

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or recurrent miscarriage (RM) affects from 1-5 % of the reproductive age couples. This diagnosis is both emotionally challenging and confusing for most couples, as the definitive diagnosis using conventional evaluations is found in fewer than half of the couples experiencing repeated loss. The distress associated with the experience of recurrent miscarriage often leads patients to unproven testing and treatments. Studies show that women with no identifiable cause have a very good chance of having a successful pregnancy when standard treatments are used.

Our team takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating women who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, offering testing and treatment for genetic, anatomic, hormonal and immunologic abnormalities.

Uterine Cavity Testing

Genetic Testing

Hormonal Testing

Hematologic and Immunologic Testing

Miscarriage can have a profound impact on your sense of well-being, Depression and anxiety are common in the months following the loss of a pregnancy and can last for a year or more. Be sure to talk to your provider about your concerns, anxiety or depression.

Listen to a podcast on the Latest Development in the Cause & Prevention of Miscarriage