Losing a pregnancy to miscarriage is heartbreaking and more common than you likely realize. About 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, usually during early pregnancy. However, multiple pregnancy losses nearly always is a sign that there is an underlying health problem.

Lead by Daniel F. Roshan, MD, FACOG, FACS, the maternal-fetal medicine team at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine are experts in diagnosing the underlying cause of recurrent miscarriages and providing effective treatment. They offer the following overview.

Genetic factors

Genetic factors are among the most common causes of recurrent miscarriages. This can result in abnormal eggs or sperm, sometimes due to advanced parental age. Genetic factors can include abnormalities with the genes or chromosomes.

These irregularities do not mean that you have a genetic disorder that will be inherited by your child. The abnormal chromosomes or genes are often merely due to a random combination that occurs at conception.

Uterine factors

The uterus is where a pregnancy grows, so it must be the right environment to support a pregnancy. But some factors with the uterus can make it difficult to support a pregnancy to full term.

Some of the most common factors involving the uterus include a septate uterus and conditions that cause uterine adhesions. A septate uterus means that the organ is divided, limiting the room for a baby to grow to full size. Adhesions can be caused by endometriosis and other conditions, which can create large obstructions.

Endocrine factors

Other common illnesses can cause problems in maintaining a pregnancy. One such condition is polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS. This hormone disorder can cause you to not ovulate as often or produce the hormones necessary to maintain pregnancy.

Common chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism can also contribute to pregnancy losses. Some women have a specific factor called a luteal phase defect, in which your body doesn’t produce enough of the progesterone hormone. Progesterone is one of the hormones needed for a pregnancy.

Blood factors

Certain blood conditions are also linked to recurrent miscarriages. The most common is one related to blood clotting, called antiphospholipid syndrome. In this autoimmune syndrome, your body recognizes the baby as a foreign invader and causes your blood to form clots.

Additionally, some disorders can prevent your uterus from receiving adequate blood supply to support a growing pregnancy.

What to do about recurrent miscarriages

Many of the causes of miscarriages are treatable. A hormone deficiency, such as a luteal phase defect, for example, can be treated with progesterone. Other health conditions can also be managed, such as diabetes or endometriosis. Also, there are procedures to correct abnormalities with the uterus.

The first step is to determine what is causing your recurrent miscarriages. Here at Rosh Maternal and Fetal Medicine, are extensive team includes many of the best gynecologists and high-risk pregnancy doctors in Manhattan. On our New York City team, we also have a dietician and geneticist.

For diagnosis of and treatment for recurrent miscarriages and or other maternal and fetal medicine care, call tRosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine today or request an appointment online.