What is recurrent pregnancy loss?
Losing a pregnancy two or more times is considered recurrent miscarriage or recurrent pregnancy loss. Since its founding in 2010, PNWF’s Center for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss has helped hundreds of patients become parents after miscarriage.
Miscarriages can happen for a myriad of reasons and are very common, more common as women get older. However, that doesn’t make each individual experience any less emotionally painful. We’re here to help you determine what may be the cause and take your next steps.
Our Center of Excellence in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Pacific Northwest Fertility’s Center for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss is directed by Dr. Lora Shahine, who is nationally recognized as a leader in the field of miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss. She trained at Stanford University which has one of the only multi-disciplinary recurrent miscarriage centers in the United States. Dr. Shahine publishes research in the field of miscarriage and has written a patient-centered guide to testing and treatment for patients with first trimester miscarriages, Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.
Our Center for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss is one of our four Centers of Excellence, which represent areas of deep focus and investment within our practice in order to bring our patients unmatched care and the latest advancements in each specialty.
How recurrent miscarriage evaluation and treatment works
We will begin by discussing and testing for the most common potential causes of recurrent miscarriage. The most common cause of recurrent pregnancy loss is “unexplained,” meaning that no diagnosis can be made after an evaluation is completed. Some causes may include:
- Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in one or both partners
- Structural issues in the uterus such as fibroids, polyps, scar tissue, or a band of tissue called a septum
- A hormonal deficiency such as progesterone which supports endometrial and placental development
- Untreated medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and immune system or blood-clotting issues
- Lifestyle factors that can impact pregnancy
Many of these tests will involve bloodwork, ultrasound, or uterine imaging. Your team will be there to keep you informed through the whole testing process and will be ready to talk about next steps once you have some answers.
While recurrent miscarriage is common, its treatment is highly personal. After testing, your doctor will determine which treatments are best for your needs. There may only be one treatment needed or a layering of treatments to address underlying fertility issues.
Recurrent miscarriage treatments could include:
- Hormone supplementation
- Hysteroscopic surgery to alleviate structural issues in the uterus
- If a chromosomal abnormality is found, you may be a candidate for IVF along with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to select chromosomally normal embryos to transfer
- IVF with genetic testing of embryos may be a successful treatment for unexplained recurrent miscarriage
Regardless of whether the testing reveals the root cause of your recurrent miscarriages, we are here to support you throughout the process and help you successfully carry to term.
Is recurrent miscarriage evaluation and treatment right for me?
If you’ve had 2 or more miscarriages, you are a candidate for a recurrent pregnancy loss evaluation. Through the evaluation process your team will determine which fertility treatment is best for your unique needs.
Recurrent Miscarriage Treatment Success With Pacific Northwest Fertility
Even after three miscarriages, you can still have up to an 80% chance of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
Book NowPaying for your recurrent miscarriage evaluation and treatment
Though coverage for fertility care varies widely by insurance plan, the good news is that you have options. We are committed to guiding you through your insurance benefits, out-of-pocket expenses, and other financing options every step of the way. With Pacific Northwest Fertility you will never be in the dark about cost.
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If you’ve experienced two or more early pregnancy losses, you are a candidate for recurrent miscarriage testing. Though these are painful experiences to endure, you are not alone. Recurrent miscarriage is very common, and Pacific Northwest Fertility’s compassionate doctors are ready to discuss your testing options.
If no recurrent issues are found during testing, careful monitoring and support of the next pregnancy may help avoid another miscarriage and result in the birth of a healthy baby. If you have unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, you may be a candidate for IVF with genetic testing of embryos.
The vast majority of miscarriages occur during the first trimester of pregnancy, before 12 weeks. Between 14 and 20 weeks, miscarriage rates drop to 2-3%.