Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy. While this is a private matter for most, pregnancy loss is quite common, as 15% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as the miscarriage of 2 or more consecutive clinical pregnancies. RPL impacts up to 5% of all couples.

At The University of Kansas Health System, we recognize the emotional toll that a diagnosis of recurrent miscarriage takes on a couple. Our team of specialists is here to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy. We recognize that each woman is unique, as are her cause(s) for miscarriage. That’s why we offer the TLC program for recurrent pregnancy loss.

Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as 2 or more failed pregnancies that were previously confirmed by a pregnancy test or ultrasound. Although miscarriage is common and does not necessarily indicate an underlying reproductive issue, multiple miscarriages may indicate that further attention is required. With the right combination of treatment and support from our team of recurrent miscarriage specialists, a future successful pregnancy is possible.

There are several signs that can indicate a possible miscarriage:

• Abdominal cramping or pain
• Back pain that can range from mild to severe
• Heavy spotting or bleeding
• Vaginal discharge that can include tissue, fluid or blood clots

If you notice any of these symptoms during your pregnancy, you should contact your doctor.

There are many possible causes of recurrent pregnancy loss, and we tailor treatment to your specific causes. Even if no known cause is found, we have treatments available to increase your chance of successful pregnancy.

We perform a complete evaluation to help determine the causes for your recurrent miscarriage, which may be related to: genetics, anatomic issues, immune system, blood clotting, hormonal imbalance or infection.

Diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of multiple miscarriages can be an overwhelming process emotionally and physically. Each couple has unique causes for recurrent pregnancy loss, so we individualize our approach to care.

Our team of experts will support you through this complex process. For those facing recurrent miscarriage, having the emotional strength to pursue another pregnancy can be difficult. However, depending upon the cause of your RPL and history of miscarriage, your success probability of your next pregnancy may be as high as 90%.

Our philosophy to addressing recurrent miscarriage involves treating the entire person. We use an evidence-based approach to medical treatment after testing is completed to improve your prognosis. Medical treatment is prescribed in a supportive environment. In fact, supportive emotional care has been shown to dramatically increase your probability of carrying your child to term.

Our highly specialized physicians, embryologists, laboratory personnel and nurses are ready to help you overcome RPL and achieve your dream of having a child. The full range of services we offer within the TLC program includes:

• Egg and sperm donation
• Evaluation for recurrent pregnancy loss
• Fertility evaluation
• Genetic testing of miscarriage tissues
• Gestational carrier
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques
• Ovulation induction
• Preimplantation genetic diagnosis