Recurrent Miscarriage Melbourne | Causes, Treatment & Care

What is recurrent miscarriage?

Recurrent miscarriage is defined as losing two or more pregnancies of up to 20 weeks’ gestation. Isolated pregnancy loss is surprisingly common, with one in four pregnancies in Australia resulting in miscarriage. Recurrent miscarriage is much less prevalent, impacting between 1-4% of women.¹

While a single pregnancy loss does not typically warrant intensive investigation, testing for the cause of miscarriage is recommended for those who have experienced recurrent miscarriage, or who have a condition or family history of a condition that may impact a pregnancy.

What causes recurrent miscarriage?

There are many potential reasons why recurrent miscarriage occurs, and it’s important to recognise that in many cases, a single cause may not be easily identified. It’s also important to know you are not to blame.

Some of the most common factors include:

Chromosomal abnormalities: Genetic issues in the embryo can lead to pregnancy loss. These abnormalities most often occur spontaneously but may also be inherited.
Anatomical issues: Uterine abnormalities such as fibroids, polyps, or an abnormally shaped uterus can interfere with the embryo’s implantation or growth.
Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (previously polycystic ovary syndrome) or thyroid disorders can lead to hormonal imbalances that may contribute to miscarriage.
Immunological factors: Certain immune system conditions, such as antiphospholipid syndrome, may increase the risk of miscarriage by affecting blood clotting or causing inflammation.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity may contribute to an increased risk of recurrent miscarriage.
Sperm abnormalities/DNA fragmentation: Sperm damage in male partners is now becoming more recognised as a potential factor for recurrent miscarriage. High sperm DNA fragmentation can occur even when sperm counts are normal, which makes targeted male fertility testing helpful to rule it out as a possible cause.

How is recurrent miscarriage treated?

The first step is to conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying factors contributing to recurrent miscarriage.

Diagnostic tests may include:

Genetic testing: Karyotyping for both partners to identify chromosomal abnormalities.
Ultrasound and imaging: To assess the structure of the uterus and detect any abnormalities.
Blood tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for hormonal imbalances, endocrine conditions, or autoimmune disease such as antiphospholipid syndrome.
Endometrial biopsy: A small sample of the uterine lining may be taken to evaluate the environment where implantation occurs.
Cervical scan: A scan to assess the length of your cervix to determine whether it is shortening and opening early and before labour, which can cause a second trimester loss.

In some cases, it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of recurrent miscarriage. Though this can be particularly frustrating and discouraging, Dr Parmar can help you understand what you can do to optimise your chances for a healthy pregnancy. It may also help to know that many women have had a healthy pregnancy even after multiple miscarriages.

Tailored treatment planning

Some of the causes of recurrent pregnancy loss can be managed, improving your chances of a successful next pregnancy. However, even if no underlying cause can be identified, fertility treatment can still be helpful at enabling many couples to grow their families.

Treatment for the causes of recurrent miscarriage may include:

Genetic testing of embryos: IVF or ICSI with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can help identify healthy embryos before implantation.
Surgical intervention: If certain gynaecological conditions are found to be interfering with sustaining the pregnancy, such as uterine fibroids, fertility surgery may be recommended.
Hormonal treatment: Conditions like thyroid dysfunction or PMOS may be managed with medication to regulate hormone levels.
Lifestyle modifications: Encouraging a healthy lifestyle, including smoking cessation, weight management, and nutritional support, can improve overall reproductive outcomes.
Progesterone treatment: Progesterone is a hormone required for a healthy pregnancy. Some research has demonstrated it may have a benefit in increasing the chances of a live birth for women who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss and early pregnancy bleeding.

Where to find support for recurrent miscarriage

Experiencing pregnancy after recurrent miscarriages may come with mixed feelings of excitement paired with overwhelming anxiety. It is important to draw on the support around you, including from Dr Parmar herself, your friends, family, and groups such as the Pink Elephants Support Network.

Dr Parmar is a proud partner of The Pink Elephants Support Network, a not-for-profit charity created to support women through miscarriage, pregnancy loss, and beyond. This amazing organisation helps women and partners through their grief, nurtures them as they heal, and empowers them as they move into the future. They have numerous free resources available on their website including useful information about miscarriage stages, support brochures, and downloadable resources.

As an experienced fertility specialist, Dr Parmar understands how deeply distressing recurrent miscarriage can be, and her goal is to provide comprehensive support, diagnosis, and individualised treatment to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy.

Recurrent miscarriage specialist consultation image – Dr Chandrika Parmar

References

NewsGP. Definition of recurrent miscarriage updated. 2025.https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/definition-of-recurrent-miscarriage-updated. (last accessed Jun 2026).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recurrent miscarriage the same as infertility?

No, they are not the same though do share many of the same risk factors. Infertility is defined as being unable to fall pregnant despite trying for one year or more. Individuals experiencing recurrent miscarriage may be able to conceive but cannot sustain the pregnancy. Both infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss are devastating but may be managed with the right specialist care.

What kind of doctor should I see for recurrent miscarriage?

A fertility specialist with the relevant experience is the most appropriate to manage recurrent miscarriage. Some GPs may be comfortable with organising your preliminary investigations, such as blood tests or ultrasound imaging, but will then most likely refer you to a fertility specialist for specialist-level care and treatment.

Do I need to wait before trying again?

There is no recommended period of time to wait before you try conceiving again, other than ensuring any pregnancy loss symptoms such as bleeding have resolved. However, it is typically recommended to wait for any test results to come back so that you can commence any recommended treatments that may help improve your chances of a full-term pregnancy.

It’s also important to consider where you are emotionally, and if you feel you have come to terms with your previous miscarriage.

Do I have a chance of a successful pregnancy after recurrent miscarriages?

It is possible to have a successful pregnancy and live birth despite experiencing recurrent miscarriage. Coming under the care of a fertility specialist who can investigate and treat any existing underlying causes will improve your chances of a positive outcome. For some individuals and couples, fertility treatment through IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies may be the best way forward.

How can I prevent future miscarriages?

Knowing what to do and whether you can do anything to reduce your risk of another miscarriage will depend on the cause. After Dr Parmar conducts a complete evaluation, treatments are tailored to address these factors, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, IVF with PGT, surgery, or a combination of interventions.

Fertility Recurrent miscarriage