Miscarriage work-up: finding causes, improving chances.
Sadly, not every pregnancy leads to the birth of a child. Recurrent miscarriages or implantation failure despite well-developing embryos can have many different causes – we get to the bottom of them.
Why do recurrent miscarriages happen?
The genetic make-up of the parents, but also that of the embryo, is an important factor for a successful pregnancy. You will find an overview of the most common reasons for an unfulfilled wish for a child on our page causes of infertility.
When is a miscarriage work-up advisable?
Miscarriages are more common than many people think: a considerable proportion of all pregnancies ends prematurely, most of them within the first twelve weeks. The most frequent cause is random chromosomal changes in the embryo, which increase with the age of the eggs. A single early miscarriage is therefore usually no cause for concern and not yet an indication for a comprehensive work-up.
Recurrent miscarriages are a different matter: classically, recurrent (habitual) miscarriage is defined as three consecutive pregnancy losses, but many medical societies recommend a work-up after two – and likewise after repeated implantation failure despite the transfer of well-developed embryos. In addition to genetic factors in the parents, possible causes include clotting disorders (thrombophilias), thyroid and other hormonal disorders, malformations or fibroids of the uterus, and immunological factors.
How the miscarriage work-up at WIF works.
It all starts with a detailed conversation about your history. We then plan the diagnostics accordingly: hormone and thyroid levels from our own hormone laboratory, genetic analyses of both partners in our own genetics laboratory, a clotting work-up and an ultrasound assessment of the uterus. The result is a complete picture – with no long journeys, all in one place.
Targeted treatment instead of chance.
Depending on the findings, the options range from adjusting thyroid function and anticoagulant or supportive medication to close monitoring in early pregnancy. In the case of genetic abnormalities, genetic testing of embryos as part of an IVF treatment can be advisable within the legal framework – our WIF Genetics team will advise you in detail.
Genetic analyses bring clarity.
With special genetic analyses of the patient we can detect genetic risk factors for recurrent miscarriages – and then increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy with targeted therapies and supporting medication.
Likewise, genetic analyses of both parents as well as of the embryos can significantly improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. We also include the ovarian reserve (AMH level) and conditions such as endometriosis or PMOS (formerly PCOS) in the work-up.
WIF Genetics: our genetic analyses in detail
You will find further information on the various genetic analyses we can offer you in our genetics section.
You are not alone.
Recurrent miscarriages are a heavy emotional burden – for both partners. That is why emotional support is part of the treatment with us: our team takes time for your questions and worries, and if needed, our psychotherapeutic support is there for you – true to our 360° care approach. What helps the soul after a loss – from rituals to your relationship as a couple – you can read on our page coping with miscarriage. And there is good reason for confidence: even after several miscarriages, a subsequent pregnancy in many cases leads to the birth of a healthy child – and with targeted treatment, the chances increase further.
Miscarriage work-up: your questions.
After how many miscarriages should I have a work-up?
Classically, a work-up is recommended after three consecutive miscarriages, but many medical societies advise one after two – especially at a higher maternal age or with additional risk factors. If in doubt, we are happy to discuss your individual situation in person.
What are the most common causes of recurrent miscarriage?
The most common cause is chromosomal changes in the embryo – they increase with the age of the eggs. Other possible causes include genetic factors in the parents, clotting disorders, thyroid and other hormonal disorders, malformations or fibroids of the uterus, and immunological factors.
Which examinations does the miscarriage work-up include?
Depending on your history, these include genetic analyses of both partners, hormone and thyroid levels, a clotting work-up and an ultrasound assessment of the uterus. Our genetics and hormone laboratories are located directly in our institute – which shortens the journeys and the waiting time for results.
What does "implantation failure" mean?
Implantation failure refers to the situation in which no pregnancy occurs despite the repeated transfer of well-developed embryos. The possible causes overlap with those of recurrent miscarriage – which is why the same targeted diagnostic steps are used here.
Can anything really be done after the work-up?
Yes. If a cause is found, it can often be treated specifically – for example, by adjusting thyroid function, with anticoagulant medication or through close monitoring in early pregnancy. In the case of genetic abnormalities, IVF with genetic testing of the embryos can be an option within the legal framework.
Is a miscarriage my fault?
No. The vast majority of miscarriages are caused by random chromosomal changes in the embryo that no one can influence – neither through behaviour nor through diet or exercise. Knowing this lifts a heavy weight from the shoulders of many couples.
When can we try again after a miscarriage?
From a medical point of view, no long waiting period is usually required after an early, uncomplicated miscarriage. Just as important, however, is that you also feel emotionally ready. The best time is something you should discuss individually with our medical team.
We fulfil your wish for a child!
Together we will find out what is behind recurrent miscarriages – and what can be done about it.
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