Recurrent Miscarriage: What’s Causing It and How IVF with PGT-A Can Help

A miscarriage is more than a physical loss. It can leave couples with unanswered questions, emotional distress, and uncertainty about the future, especially when pregnancy loss happens more than once.

Many people ask themselves, "Why do I keep miscarrying?" or "Will I ever have a successful pregnancy?" These are common concerns after recurrent miscarriage.

Although repeated miscarriages can be emotionally and physically overwhelming, advances in reproductive medicine now allow fertility specialists to identify many underlying causes and recommend treatments that may improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. One such option for selected patients is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) with Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A).

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), recurrent pregnancy loss affects approximately 2% of women. While it is relatively uncommon, it should always be thoroughly evaluated by a fertility specialist.

Let's explore what recurrent miscarriage is, what causes it, and how IVF with PGT-A may help certain couples achieve a successful pregnancy.

What Is Recurrent Miscarriage?

Recurrent miscarriage, also known as recurrent pregnancy loss, refers to experiencing two or more consecutive pregnancy losses. A miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy ends before the 20th week.

If you have experienced multiple miscarriages, your fertility specialist may recommend a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether medical, genetic, or anatomical factors are contributing to the pregnancy losses.

While a single miscarriage is relatively common and does not necessarily increase the risk of another miscarriage, repeated pregnancy loss requires medical investigation.

What Causes Recurrent Miscarriage?

Recurrent miscarriage can result from one or several contributing factors. In some cases, no clear cause is identified despite thorough testing.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

The most common cause of recurrent miscarriage is an abnormal number of chromosomes within the embryo.

Chromosomes contain the baby's genetic material. When an embryo has too many or too few chromosomes, normal development often cannot continue, leading to miscarriage.

These chromosomal abnormalities usually occur during egg or sperm formation and become more common with increasing maternal age.

Uterine Conditions

Structural abnormalities of the uterus may interfere with embryo implantation or pregnancy development.

Examples include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Scar tissue inside the uterus
• Congenital uterine abnormalities

Hormonal Disorders

Certain hormonal and medical conditions may increase miscarriage risk if left untreated.

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Hormonal imbalances

Immune and Blood Clotting Disorders

Autoimmune conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome and certain blood clotting disorders can reduce blood flow to the developing pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage.

Lifestyle Factors

Several lifestyle factors may also contribute to pregnancy loss, including:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Uncontrolled obesity
• Environmental toxin exposure

Even after comprehensive investigations, some couples receive a diagnosis of unexplained recurrent miscarriage, where no definite cause can be identified.

How Is Recurrent Miscarriage Diagnosed?

Your fertility specialist may recommend a detailed medical evaluation to identify any treatable causes before planning another pregnancy.

Investigations may include:

• Hormone blood tests
• Immune system testing
• Genetic testing for both partners when appropriate
• Hysteroscopy
• Pelvic or abdominal ultrasound
• Thyroid function tests
• Additional medical investigations where required

These tests help identify conditions that may contribute to pregnancy loss and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.

What Is IVF with PGT-A?

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) involves collecting eggs from the ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in a specialised laboratory. The resulting embryos are cultured before transfer into the uterus.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is an advanced laboratory technique performed during IVF.

During PGT-A:

• A small number of cells are carefully removed from the outer layer of the embryo.
• The embryo itself continues developing normally.
• The sampled cells are genetically analysed to determine whether the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes.
• Embryos with a normal chromosome count are selected for transfer.

This process helps fertility specialists identify embryos with the greatest likelihood of resulting in a healthy pregnancy.

How Can IVF with PGT-A Help Recurrent Miscarriage?

For some couples, IVF combined with PGT-A may reduce the risk of miscarriage caused by chromosomal abnormalities.

It is important to understand that PGT-A does not treat miscarriage itself. Instead, it helps identify embryos that are less likely to carry chromosome abnormalities.

Selecting Chromosomally Normal Embryos

Embryos with the correct number of chromosomes have a higher chance of successful implantation and continued development.

Reducing the Risk of Chromosome-Related Miscarriage

When recurrent miscarriage is caused by embryo chromosome abnormalities (aneuploidy), PGT-A may reduce the likelihood of transferring affected embryos.

Supporting Better Treatment Planning

PGT-A provides valuable genetic information that helps fertility specialists make informed decisions regarding embryo selection and transfer.

However, not every miscarriage is caused by chromosomal abnormalities. If another medical condition is responsible, additional treatment may be required.

Is IVF with PGT-A Right for Everyone?

IVF with PGT-A is not suitable for every patient with recurrent miscarriage.

Your fertility specialist will evaluate several factors before recommending this treatment.

• Maternal age
• Number of previous miscarriages
• Genetic testing results
• Overall reproductive health
• Availability and quality of embryos
• Previous pregnancy history

A personalised fertility assessment is essential to determine whether IVF with PGT-A is likely to improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Personalised Care for Recurrent Miscarriage at MMCIVF

At MMCIVF Dubai, couples experiencing recurrent miscarriage receive a comprehensive fertility evaluation before beginning treatment to identify any underlying causes.

The fertility specialists use advanced diagnostic testing, modern reproductive technologies, and evidence-based treatment protocols to develop an individualised care plan for every patient.

For suitable candidates, advanced treatments such as IVF with PGT-A may be recommended to improve embryo selection and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Whether you are planning another pregnancy or considering fertility treatment, MMCIVF provides compassionate support, personalised care, and expert guidance throughout your fertility journey.

Conclusion

Experiencing recurrent miscarriage can be emotionally challenging, but it does not mean that a healthy pregnancy is impossible.

Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward selecting the most appropriate treatment.

For some couples, IVF with PGT-A may help reduce the risk of miscarriage caused by chromosomal abnormalities by selecting embryos with the correct chromosome number before transfer.

Combined with a comprehensive fertility assessment and personalised medical care, this approach may improve the chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.

If you have experienced more than one miscarriage, consulting a fertility specialist can help determine the most appropriate investigations and treatment options for your individual situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is considered recurrent miscarriage?

Most fertility specialists define recurrent miscarriage as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses.

2. Is recurrent miscarriage the same as infertility?

No. Many couples experiencing recurrent miscarriage are able to conceive naturally. The focus is on identifying and treating any underlying causes of pregnancy loss.

3. Does PGT-A prevent miscarriage?

No. PGT-A cannot prevent every miscarriage. However, it may reduce the risk of miscarriage caused by chromosomal abnormalities by selecting embryos with a normal chromosome count before transfer.

4. Who should consider IVF with PGT-A?

Patients with recurrent miscarriage related to chromosomal abnormalities, advanced maternal age, abnormal genetic testing results, or other clinical indications may benefit from IVF with PGT-A. A fertility specialist can determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your specific circumstances.