Recurrent pregnancy loss is also known as recurrent miscarriage. As the name suggests, it means having two or more clinical pregnancy losses before 20 weeks’ gestation.
At facilities like https://holisticgynae.com/recurrent-pregnancy-loss/, these losses are confirmed by ultrasound or by examining tissue after the miscarriage. If you’ve experienced this, a doctor may recommend tests to try and find out possible reasons.
Once you’ve identified the cause, you can then work with your doctor to find answers. While some risk factors lie beyond your control, there are several steps you can take to boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
In this guide, we will explain the main cause of repeated miscarriages, lifestyle habits that increase risk, the safest sleeping position, medical checks to reduce losses and how soon you can try again. Let’s begin!
What is the Main Cause of Recurrent Miscarriages?
Getting recurrent miscarriages can be devastating. Because of the frustration you may constantly wonder; what is the main cause of recurrent miscarriages?
The most common cause of recurrent miscarriages is chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in the fetus. These errors often come up spontaneously at conception, when the sperm and egg combine, and they prevent the embryo from developing properly. Without a normal set of chromosomes, the pregnancy cannot progress, and miscarriage follows.
In some cases, one or both parents carry a chromosomal translocation. This means a piece of one chromosome has swapped places with another.
Parents often feel fine, but when they pass on their chromosomes, the embryo may inherit the unbalanced set which then leads to miscarriage.
If you report recurrent pregnancy loss, doctors can test for parental translocations through a simple blood test. If you carry one, genetic counselling can explain your chances and options, like IVF with preimplantation genetic testing.
While genetic issues account for many losses, other causes like hormonal imbalances or medical conditions may also increase risks. A good infertility doctor can guide you through the right tests and treatments based on your history and test results.
What Habits can Cause a Miscarriage?
Everything happens for a reason. And if you have suffered recurrent miscarriages, a key question you may want answers for is; what habits cause a miscarriage?
Well, there are several lifestyle habits can increase the risk of miscarriage. To give you the best chance of a healthy pregnancy, you will want to address them early. Here is a roundup of the most common habits that can cause a miscarriage;
- Smoking: Tobacco use reduces blood flow to your placenta. Because of this, it can starve the embryo of oxygen and nutrients. Chemicals in smoke can damage egg and sperm DNA and increase the chance of chromosomal errors. Women who smoke face a higher risk of miscarriage in the first trimester and complications later on. To boost fertility and protect the growing baby, it may help for both partners to quit and also avoid second-hand smoke.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking large amounts of alcohol disrupts hormone balance and impairs embryo development. Alcohol can cross the placenta, where the embryo metabolises it more slowly than an adult. Heavy drinking early in pregnancy links to miscarriage and birth defects. Cutting back or stopping entirely before trying to conceive gives your body time to clear toxins and stabilise hormone levels.
- Drug Use During Pregnancy: Recreational drugs like cocaine, amphetamines and opioids cause blood vessel constriction. Because of this, they can reduce oxygen delivery to the fetus. Street drugs also often contain unknown additives that can harm development. Using drugs raises the risk of placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the womb wall, leading to miscarriage or preterm birth.
- Poor Dietary Choices: Diets high in processed foods, sugar and trans fats lead to inflammation and blood sugar spikes. These changes affect hormone regulation and egg quality. Deficiencies in essential nutrients like folate, iron or vitamin D also impair embryo growth. Switching to a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, fruits and vegetables supports healthy conception and reduces miscarriage risk.
What Sleeping Position Can Cause a Miscarriage?
Many physicians advise pregnant women to sleep on their left side. This position improves blood flow to the placenta and your kidneys, helping nutrients reach your baby.
Sleeping on your back can compress the major vein (the inferior vena cava) that returns blood to your heart. Reduced blood flow may deprive the fetus of oxygen and increase the risk of stillbirth or low birth weight.
Previous studies have linked back-and right-side sleeping with higher rates of stillbirth and preeclampsia, a life-threatening high blood pressure disorder. When you lie on your right side, you may also reduce blood flow slightly, though not as much as on your back.
Switching to your left side relieves pressure on your liver and promotes better circulation. If you wake on your back, gently roll to your left side.
Use pregnancy pillows to support your abdomen and hips. The right position can protect your baby’s growth and lower risks of complications such as reduced fetal growth or preeclampsia.
How do you Stop Recurrent Miscarriages?
To stop recurrent miscarriages, the first thing you will want to do is to stop harmful habits like smoking, drinking and poor diet. After that, you can then consider these medical and nutritional recommendations:
- Screen for STDs: Untreated infections like chlamydia or gonorrhoea can inflame the uterus and harm embryo implantation. A simple swab or urine test can identify infections so you can clear them with antibiotics before trying again. This reduces the risk of miscarriage linked to untreated disease.
- Take Folic Acid: Daily folic acid supplements before conception and during early pregnancy help prevent neural tube defects and support DNA replication. A healthy level lowers chromosomal error risks and supports rapid cell growth in the embryo. Experts recommend 400–800 µg daily at least one month before conception.
- Get Tested for Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar damages blood vessels in the placenta. Early diabetes screening through fasting glucose tests or HbA1c lets you manage levels with diet or medication. Good glucose control before and during pregnancy reduces miscarriage risk and improves fetal health.
Many people also wonder, how fast can I get pregnant again after a miscarriage? Now, most couples are told not to have sex for two weeks after a miscarriage to prevent infection and allow your body to recover.
However, you can become pregnant as soon as two weeks after you miscarry, once your menstrual cycle returns. Your uterus sheds the pregnancy tissue, and ovulation can resume very quickly.
Once you feel emotionally and physically ready, discuss timing with your doctor. They may recommend waiting until you have one normal period, to help date the next pregnancy accurately. But medically, there is no strict barrier beyond infection risk.
In Closing
Recurrent pregnancy loss can feel overwhelming, but once you understand causes and risks, it becomes easier to chart a path forward. Screen for infections, control blood sugar and seek genetic advice if needed. When you and your doctor work together, you optimise your chances and feel more in control.
If you’re in Singapore and willing to explore personalised care for recurrent pregnancy loss, book a consultation with our specialist team today. We’ll review your history, arrange the right tests and support you with expert guidance on every step of your journey. For appointment setting, see details below;
Holistic Gynaecology & Fertility
290 Orchard Rd, #13-08 Paragon Medical Centre, Singapore 238859
Phone: +65 8854 5744
