Recurrent miscarriages: causes, diagnosis and solutions

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At Vida Fertility, we know how difficult it can be to go through recurrent miscarriages.

Before recommending any treatment, we conduct an initial medical consultation in which we review your medical, reproductive and family history in detail. Based on this initial assessment, we define the specific tests for recurrent miscarriages that really provide useful information and allow us to design a diagnostic and therapeutic plan tailored to you.

We spoke with Dr Katharina Spies, a gynaecologist specialising in recurrent miscarriages and director of Vida Fertility Madrid, about the main cause of miscarriages in Spain: genetic abnormalities in the couple.

clinica de fertilidad en madrid equipo Vida fertility Dra. Katharina Spies especialista en fertilidad madrid

Important: At Vida Fertility, we do not perform voluntary pregnancy terminations. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of miscarriages and recurrent pregnancy loss, helping our patients identify the cause of the loss and plan a future pregnancy with the best possible prospects for success.

The concept of recurrent miscarriages refers to situations in which a woman suffers several consecutive pregnancy losses. This condition is generally considered to exist when three or more spontaneous miscarriages have occurred before reaching the 20th week of pregnancy. These interruptions can occur at different stages of pregnancy and be related to multiple factors.

It is essential to understand that recurrent miscarriages are not a disease as such, but are usually a sign that there is some factor, known or unknown, that is affecting reproductive capacity.

Main causes of recurrent miscarriages

Recurrent miscarriages can have multiple causes, and it is essential to explore all possible causes. Among the most common are:

When a woman experiences several recurrent miscarriages, it is crucial to visit a fertility clinic. Only a detailed study, carried out by experts in reproductive medicine, can shed light on the possible underlying causes. Based on this comprehensive assessment, at Vida Fertility we can define a fully personalised medical protocol that increases the chances of a successful full-term pregnancy.

What tests are performed to detect recurrent miscarriages?

The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to recurrent miscarriage is always tailored to the characteristics of each woman or couple. The first step is to review the medical history in detail to determine which tests should be performed. Among the most common are:

  • Genetic analysis
  • Anatomical evaluations of the uterus
  • Endometrial study
  • Hormonal profile and monitoring
  • Coagulation tests and other complementary tests
  • Study of thrombophilia

Treatment will, of course, depend on the results obtained. Depending on each case, it may include assisted reproduction techniques with personalised protocols, embryo transfer at a specific point in the cycle, immunological therapies, the use of anticoagulants, genetic analysis of embryos or even the option of using donated gametes, among other alternatives.

Genetic testing: the key to solving recurrent miscarriages

As we see in our practice, in many cases there are genetic causes related to maternal age behind recurrent miscarriages. Thanks to genetic counselling and the study of embryos through pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGT), it is now possible to identify chromosomal abnormalities and increase the chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.

What are genetic alterations in couples?

Genetic alterations refer to mutations or abnormalities present in the DNA of one or both members of the couple. Although in many cases these individuals are completely healthy, the genetic combination between the two can result in non-viable embryos or embryos with serious diseases, causing implantation failures or early miscarriages.

“I am seeing more and more couples coming to the clinic with a history of recurrent miscarriages or implantation failures. Genetic diagnosis is key to understanding what is happening and acting with the greatest possible medical precision,” says Dr Spies.

FAQs about recurrent miscarriages

What is considered a recurrent miscarriage?

Dr Spies replies:

A recurrent miscarriage is when a woman has had two or more consecutive pregnancy losses. At that point, I recommend a complete fertility assessment.

What are the most common causes?

Dr. Spies responds:They are generally related to:

  • Hormonal problems: Hormonal imbalances can affect the uterus’s ability to sustain a pregnancy.
  • Chronic diseases: Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or hypothyroidism.
  • Immune problems
  • KIR and HLA-C incompatibility
  • Infections: Certain infections can increase the risk.
  • Uterine or cervical problems: Abnormalities in the uterus or problems with the cervix can cause miscarriages.
  • Lifestyle: Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use.
  • Mother’s age: Age and female fertility, especially after the age of 35, can increase the risk of miscarriage.

How can I reduce the risk of miscarriage?

Dr. Spies responds:

The best prevention is early and comprehensive prenatal care. Avoiding risk factors and ensuring optimal health before pregnancy is also crucial.

While many causes of miscarriage are beyond a woman’s control, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of miscarriage. These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • Managing pre-existing medical conditions
  • Avoiding harmful substances and certain medications

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Where can I find Vida Fertility centres in Spain?


📍 C/ Palermo 15, Hortaleza, 28043 Madrid
📞 Phone number: +34 919 29 83 23
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm


📍 Av. Óscar Esplá 1, Bajo, 03008 Alicante
📞 Phone number: +34 919 29 83 23
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm

ℹ️ The information published on Vida Fertility is reviewed by our fertility specialists and medical team, following up-to-date scientific criteria and evidence-based medicine. Our team is a member at scientific societies such as SEF, ESHRE and SEGO.