Experiencing a pregnancy loss is heartbreaking. When this heartbreaking event happens more than once in a row, it’s called recurrent pregnancy loss, or RPL. Understanding RPL can provide clarity and hope for many couples facing this difficult journey toward parenthood.
What Is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss?
Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as having two or more consecutive miscarriages of clinically recognized pregnancies before 20 weeks of gestation. Clinically recognized means the pregnancy was confirmed via ultrasound or medical examination. It’s important to note that ectopic pregnancies (pregnancies outside the uterus), molar pregnancies (abnormal pregnancies involving the placenta), and biochemical pregnancies (very early losses detected only by hormone levels) are not counted in this definition.
Why Does It Happen?
RPL can have many causes, including genetic abnormalities in the embryo, structural issues in the uterus, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, and certain infections. Sometimes, despite thorough medical evaluation, the exact cause remains unknown, adding emotional complexity to the experience.
How Common Is It?
While most women experience one miscarriage, recurrent losses affect about 1-2% of couples trying to conceive. It’s a challenging condition but not hopeless—many couples with RPL go on to have successful pregnancies after getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
What Can Be Done?
If you experience recurrent pregnancy loss, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider who specializes in fertility or maternal-fetal medicine. They can evaluate potential causes through tests, recommend treatments, and offer supportive care to improve chances for a healthy pregnancy.
Conclusion
Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined by two or more miscarriages before 20 weeks and excludes certain types of pregnancy loss. Understanding this condition, seeking medical support, and receiving targeted treatment provide a pathway forward to parenthood for many couples. Though difficult, there is hope with modern medicine and compassionate care.