Glossary

Term · Loss and Complications

recurrent pregnancy loss

Also: RPL, recurrent miscarriage

Two or more pregnancy losses before 20 weeks, in the most common definition. It is a separate medical question from a single miscarriage, and clinicians look for possible causes.

In plain words

Recurrent pregnancy loss means two or more pregnancies that end in early loss, usually before 20 weeks. The losses do not have to happen one after another. It is different from a single , which is far more common and usually has no repeat cause. When losses repeat, clinicians look for possible causes, such as chromosome differences in a parent, clotting disorders, uterine shape, hormone or thyroid conditions, or infections. Many people with recurrent loss later have a healthy pregnancy. A first step is a conversation with your provider about your history. If bleeding, cramping, or fever starts in a pregnancy, call your provider the same day.

The deeper version

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine defines recurrent pregnancy loss as two or more clinical pregnancy losses, confirmed by ultrasound or pathology and typically before 20 weeks, not necessarily consecutive (ASRM Practice Committee, 2020). The evaluation is separate from that of a single loss and includes karyotyping of both partners, uterine anatomy assessment, antiphospholipid antibody testing, thyroid and glucose evaluation, and screening for inherited thrombophilias where indicated. Around half of recurrent losses have no identified cause after evaluation, which fuels debate about the value of testing and treatment. Trial evidence for several commonly used interventions is mixed, and the field relies heavily on observational data.

Where it comes up

What mothers here say about recurrent pregnancy loss

No one has posted under this term yet.

Share your experience, or ask

Sign in with Google to post under this topic. Your first name and photo come from Google; you can change what shows later. No membership needed.

Sources

  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Practice Committee — Definitions of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss: a committee opinion (2020)
  • American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Practice Committee — Evaluation and treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss: a committee opinion (2012)
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Practice Bulletin No. 200: Early Pregnancy Loss (2018)

The Mothership Topic Wiki is general information for mothers and the people who care for them. It is not medical, legal, or mental-health advice and does not create a provider relationship. Experiences posted by members are their own. In an emergency call 911. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.