Our medical team
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)
Recurrent pregnancy loss can have significant emotional impact on both women and their partners
What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)?
A pregnancy loss (miscarriage) is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks of gestation. A pregnancy loss after 24 weeks gestation is called a stillbirth.
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) could be an applicable term after the loss of two or more pregnancies. This includes pregnancies as a result of ‘natural’ conception, and also as a result of assisted reproduction techniques such as IUI and IVF/ICSI. Ectopic pregnancies and molar pregnancies are not included.
What type of testing is available for RPL?
There are several investigations available to couples experiencing RPL. The aim of these investigations is to:
- Identify the cause, or likely cause of the previous pregnancy loss(es)
- Recommend appropriate treatment
- Help to reach a prognosis (an estimate of a patient’s chances of having a baby in the future)
It’s important for patients to understand that even if a cause is found, in some cases there may not be a treatment. For instance, if antibodies are found in a woman’s blood that could be a contributing factor in RPL.
At Bourn Hall, we are experts in carrying out the following investigations:
- Assessment of your medical and family history
- Screening for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
- Screening for thyroid dysfunction
- Pelvic examination (ultrasound)
- Genetic analysis
- ANA testing (antinuclear antibodies)
- Sperm DNA fragmentation
There are additional tests which are sometimes relevant for couples experiencing RPL:
- Androgen testing (testosterone)
- Anti-HY antibodies
- Cytokine testing
- HLA determination
- Homocysteine plasma levels
- Insulin resistance testing (diabetes)
- NK cell testing
- Ovarian reserve testing (FSH, AMH, LH, estradiol)
- Prolactin levels
- Sperm analysis
- Tests for Luteal phase insufficiency (progesterone)
- Vitamin D testing
