What is recurrent pregnancy loss testing?

Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as two or more pregnancies that end before 20 weeks. It affects 10% of women under the age of 30. The incidence is higher for older women, with about half of pregnancies in women in their mid-40s ending in miscarriage. After two pregnancy losses, our New Braunfels miscarriage specialist recommends recurrent pregnancy loss testing. Also known as repeat miscarriage testing, the tests can identify or narrow down potential causes, so that we can treat the cause and increase the chances of a healthy, full-term pregnancy.

Available options for repeat miscarriage testing

Repeat miscarriage testing begins with our experienced reproductive endocrinologist, Susan Hudson, MD, taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. The results of these first two steps help our New Braunfels miscarriage specialist prioritize specific tests to order.

• Blood tests can detect problems with hormone levels, the immune system or blood clotting.
• Genetic screening identifies genetic disorders in the woman or man.
• Ultrasound provides images to see fibroids, polyps, scar tissue or other conditions that could affect a pregnancy.
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a special X-ray that uses dye to create detailed images of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• Saline ultrasound is a special type of vaginal ultrasound where fluid is placed in the uterus to reveal structural abnormalities such as polyps, fibroids, septums, or adhesions that can interfere with healthy implantation.
• Hysteroscopy is a test that uses a long thin instrument, a hysteroscope, inserted through the cervix into the uterus. A tiny camera on the hysteroscope provides images of the inside of the uterus. If problems, such as fibroids or polyps, are identified, they can be removed during the procedure.
• Endometrial biopsy involves removal of a small sample of endometrial tissue, which is tested for irregularities that could make pregnancy difficult. It can be performed during a hysteroscopy.

Accurate recurrent pregnancy loss testing leads to targeted treatment

If recurrent pregnancy loss testing identifies a specific cause for pregnancy loss, the fertility specialist will guide both partners through potential treatment options and timelines.

In up to 50% of cases, recurrent pregnancy loss testing is not able to determine a specific cause of repeat miscarriage. But, ruling out causes also provides useful information for fertility and pregnancy. The results of testing have been shown to increase pregnancy rates, even when a specific cause is not identified.

Texas Fertility Center New Braunfels is available to answer fertility questions and perform testing to find the cause of your recurrent pregnancy loss. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our compassionate New Braunfels miscarriage specialist to discuss recurrent pregnancy loss testing.