Recurrent Miscarriage: Common Causes, Solutions, and Finding Hope
Losing a pregnancy is a profoundly heartbreaking experience and recurrent miscarriage can feel incredibly overwhelming. What many people don’t know is just how common this experience is.
Miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy in the United States, occurring in 15–20% of clinically-recognized pregnancies, or 750,000–1,000,000 cases annually.
For those navigating this challenging path, understanding the potential causes of miscarriage can be empowering for fertility support. It provides a way to investigate underlying issues and implement lifestyle or medical adjustments that may help. This article dives into possible reasons for recurrent miscarriage for finding support and actionable steps you can take to support your reproductive health and overcome recurrent miscarriage.
What Causes Recurrent Miscarriage?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to why miscarriage occurs. Sometimes, the reasons are clear; other times, they remain unexplained. Below are nine common factors that may contribute to recurrent miscarriage (RPL).
Anatomical/Structural Factors
The structure of your uterus plays a crucial role in carrying out a pregnancy. Issues such as:
- A bicornuate (heart-shaped) uterus
- Uterine fibroids
- An incompetent cervix
For example, fibroids, depending on their size or position, can interfere with implantation or the growth of the fetus.
Testing: A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray that checks the structure of your uterus and fallopian tubes. Ask your GP or fertility specialist about this assessment.
Chromosomal Irregularities
Chromosomal issues account for approximately 50% of early miscarriages. These issues can stem from the egg, sperm, or fetus. For example:
- Unbalanced or missing chromosomes
- DNA damage (in eggs or sperm) due to age or external factors
What You Can Do:
- Minimize environmental and lifestyle risks (e.g., smoking, high stress levels).
- Focus on a nutrient-dense diet. A natural reproductive medicine specialist can guide you on the best foods to enhance egg and sperm health, and fertility support for recurrent miscarriage.
Blood Clotting Issues
Certain blood-clotting conditions, including antiphospholipid syndrome, can increase the risk of miscarriage. These conditions may prevent adequate blood flow to the fetus. Acupuncture from a fertility-certified and licensed acupuncturist can be very helpful in aiding blood flow to the uterus and overall body for a healthy pregnancy and with miscarriage help.
Immune Factors
Your immune system must “tolerate” the fetus, which the body recognizes as foreign. For some people, the immune system may mistakenly attack the fetus, leading to pregnancy loss.
Testing & Support:
A specialist, like an Immunologist who specializes in Reproductive Medicine like Joanne Kwak-Kim, MD, MPH located in Chicago can investigate and suggest tailored interventions if immune factors are suspected.
Hormonal Imbalances / Deficiencies
Hormones play a pivotal role in sustaining a pregnancy. Imbalances in hormones such as progesterone, prolactin, or thyroid hormones may lead to miscarriage.
What You Can Do:
- Work with your fertility specialist to test your hormonal levels.
- Additional progesterone support for up to 16 weeks for individuals with recurrent miscarriage and bleeding in subsequent pregnancies may be necessary.
Environmental Factors
Everyday exposure to harmful chemicals can damage egg and sperm health. Common culprits include:
- BPA (found in plastics)
- Phthalates (in cosmetics and packaging)
- Heavy metals and pollutants
Actionable Advice:
Work with a health practitioner or nutritional therapist to identify and minimize exposure to these toxins.
Weight
Weight can be a contributing factor. A BMI of either below 20 or above 25 may increase miscarriage risks.
Next Steps:
If weight impacts fertility, consult your GP or a health practitioner to develop a safe, effective plan.
Infections
Certain infections (e.g., rubella, CMV, or chlamydia) may lead to pregnancy loss. These are often silent infections, meaning you might not realize you’ve been exposed.
Testing Options:
- Get a sexual health check via your GP or clinic before conceiving.
Recent research highlights the role of the vaginal microbiome in early pregnancy. An imbalance in bacteria can lead to inflammation, which may affect pregnancy outcomes. Testing your microbiome is an easy and effective way to uncover potential issues.
Unexplained Causes
Unfortunately, over 50% of recurrent miscarriages remain unexplained. However, working with health professionals—like a natural reproductive medicine expert, like Lindsay Goodwin, the founder of Garnet Moon—can still provide valuable insights and help optimize your chances of a successful pregnancy for recurrent miscarriage to finding the support you deserve.
Navigating the Emotional Impact of Recurrent Miscarriage
Recurrent miscarriage is a profoundly emotional experience. It’s important to acknowledge what you’re feeling and seek support:
- Validate Your Feelings: Your emotions are valid. It’s okay to grieve, feel frustrated, or seek help.
- Hire a Fertility Mentor: Hiring a fertility mentor and certified fertility support coach, like Lindsay Goodwin, can really be a game changer when working through the ups and downs on a fertility journey.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize activities that bring you comfort—whether yoga, art, a daily walk, or simply taking quiet moments for yourself.
- Communicate: Share openly with your partner, close friends, or family to foster understanding.
What You Can Do to Support Your Fertility Journey
Here’s actionable advice to guide you on your path:
- Seek Expert Guidance: Consult a reproductive specialist to develop a personalized plan based on thorough evaluations.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle:
- Focus on a nutritious diet rich in whole foods and antioxidants.
- Exercise regularly and get quality sleep.
- Avoid harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and excessive caffeine.
There’s Hope and We Are Here To Help: Recurrent Miscarriage: Finding Support
Recurrent miscarriage is a tremendously challenging experience, but it does not define your future. Advances in testing, nutrition, the mind-body connection, and holistic care offer more pathways than ever to understand and overcome these obstacles. If you’re ready to regain hope and have a healthy pregnancy, Garnet Moon in Cherry Creek, Denver, or virtual-global from anywhere int he world is your solution for healthy conception success!
You don’t have to face this alone. There’s always hope, and we are here to support you.
Start by booking your first consultation, where our team at Garnet Moon will work with you to craft a personalized plan for your fertility journey to finally give you the peace of mind and results you deserve!
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