Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as the miscarriage of two or more clinical pregnancies.

The risk of a single miscarriage ranges from 15% to 50% or more per pregnancy, depending on a woman’s age, and is most often due to abnormal chromosome content in the pregnancy. In contrast, approximately 1-2% of couples suffer from RPL. 

Known risk factors for RPL include:

• Parental genetic abnormalities (karyotype)
• Uterine anatomic abnormalities
• Immunologic abnormalities
• Hormonal issues

RPL is an emotionally challenging experience. Frustratingly, up to 50% will have no cause identified after a thorough workup (“unexplained RPL”). The reproductive endocrinologists at UCSF are trained specialists in the area of recurrent pregnancy loss and are committed to providing an evidence-based approach to workup and treatment options for family building.

Our team of interdisciplinary experts at the Center for Reproductive Health is also committed to advancing the science for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss everywhere. To this end, we are launching the UCSF Multidisciplinary Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Center which will offer a comprehensive opportunity to be seen by reproductive endocrinologists, psychologists and genetic counselors for a thorough evaluation and management plan – and to partner with us in advancing knowledge about RPL by participating in research studies. 

Potential diagnostic testing includes: