What Causes Recurrent Miscarriages?

Experiencing one miscarriage is sadly common, affecting up to 20% of pregnancies. However, recurrent miscarriages, defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses, occur in just 1% to 2% of women. Recurrent miscarriages can be devastating. Understanding the potential causes can help women and couples get answers, work with their doctors, and hopefully carry a pregnancy to term. Below, the best infertility doctor in Dumdum highlights the medically known reasons for recurrent miscarriages. 

The medical causes of recurrent miscarriages

Let’s take a closer look at the medical causes of recurrent miscarriage. 

Chromosomal Abnormalities

About 50% to 60% of recurrent miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. These abnormalities often happen randomly and are unrelated to the parents’ genes. During cell division, chromosomes may fail to separate properly, resulting in too many or too few chromosomes that prevent development.

Uterine Abnormalities

Another common cause is anatomical abnormalities in the structure and shape of the uterus. Having a uterus divided into two cavities (bicornuate uterus) or a uterus with abnormal tissue growths (polyps, fibroids) can impede fetal development. Scarring or weak spots in the uterine lining from prior procedures like dilation and curettage can also increase the risk. If you have these prior structural anomalies, you should reach out to the leading infertility specialist near you. 

Hormonal Imbalances

Problems with hormones like progesterone that support pregnancy can lead to recurrent miscarriages. Women with luteal phase defects don’t produce enough progesterone after ovulation. This causes the uterine lining to break down too early. Thyroid issues like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are associated with pregnancy loss as well.

Clotting Disorders

Some women have inherited blood clotting issues that can deprive the fetus of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in miscarriage. Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes abnormal blood clotting and raises the risk.

Autoimmune Disorders

When a woman’s immune system attacks itself, it may also attack and reject an embryo or fetus. Autoimmune diseases tied to recurrent miscarriage are lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease. According to the top 10 infertility doctors in Dumdum, elevated natural killer cells in the uterus can also lead to recurrent pregnancy loss.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Women with PCOS frequently experience abnormalities with ovulation, menstrual cycles, and insulin resistance that make conceiving and sustaining a pregnancy extremely challenging. The hormonal imbalances of PCOS greatly raise the risks of miscarriage.

Infections

Certain maternal viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections can cause inflammation that may result in recurrent pregnancy loss if left untreated. Mycoplasma, chlamydia, rubella, and others require prompt diagnosis and treatment before attempting pregnancy.

Lifestyle Factors

Finally, recurrent miscarriages may be influenced by lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol and drug use, high caffeine intake, environmental toxin exposure, being overweight, and chronic stress. Removing harmful exposures and optimizing health habits can support a successful pregnancy.While frustrating and disheartening, recurrent miscarriages often have an underlying cause that can be addressed. Thorough medical testing and evaluation of both partners provide the answers needed to pinpoint risks, treat issues, and hopefully overcome pregnancy loss. Are you struggling with recurrent miscarriages? Reach out to the best infertility doctor in Dumdum today!