The most common cause of a single miscarriage
The most common cause of a single miscarriage is a chromosomal abnormality of the fetus and there isn’t any specific predisposing factor. When miscarriages reoccur there could be a treatable underlying cause.
Pregnancy losses can be due to factors such as hormonal, genetic, or placental development problems. It’s important to investigate the causes of miscarriages whenever possible to alleviate associated anxiety and, most importantly, find ways to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. For example, insufficient production of progesterone (a hormone produced by the ovary and placenta) can increase the risk of miscarriage. This can be examined with a simple blood test. The prognosis of pregnancy can be improved by administering progesterone vaginally or through subcutaneous injections as needed.
Even if there have been multiple miscarriages, the outlook for future pregnancies is often good. After two miscarriages, 80% of women go on to have a successful delivery. For those who have experienced even four miscarriages, the likelihood of having a child is over 50%.
In some situations, despite treatment, the prognosis remains poor. Recognizing a poor prognosis is also important so that expectations are realistic.