Pregnancy loss occurring before 20 weeks (ie, 4.5 months) is called an abortion or a miscarriage.

When 3 or more miscarriages occur consecutively, they are called recurrent abortions.

15% is the risk, if there is no history of a previous abortion. However, the risk is increased if there are already more than one or more abortions. RPL affects 2% of women in the child bearing age.

A Gynecologist can be consulted at any time. It is not essential to wait for the next pregnancy, as there are several investigations that are best performed in the non-pregnant state and appropriate treatment started. If already pregnant, do not delay your first visit to the Gynecologist. When you do so, remember to carry all previous records of prior pregnancies.

It is important that immediate help should be sought. The Gynecologist will thoroughly evaluate your case, search for the cause and suggest treatment options so that your precious pregnancy continues till term.

The various causes of recurrent abortions include:

• Chromosomal anomalies in both or either parent
• Hormonal disorders: Thyroid disorder, Diabetes, PCOS etc.
• Uterine structural defects
• Medical diseases of the mother
• Infections like TORCH, Genital Kochs etc.
• Immunological disorders: 60%-70% of females in whom all the above causes are ruled out could have an underlying immunological deficiency, like APLA(Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome) or Alloimmune causes.

Depending upon what the doctor suspects certain tests may be prescribed like:

• Hematological investigations
• Ultra sound
• HSG
• Laparoscopy
• Hysteroscopy

Depending upon the cause, the treatment may be medical, surgical or both.