Miscarriage is the most common form of pregnancy loss, affecting anywhere from 10 to 25% of recognized pregnancies. However, while enduring a miscarriage might lead to infertility concerns, many women who experience pregnancy loss eventually go on to deliver healthy babies. To answer questions you may be asking about your experience, learn more about some common causes of this loss below.

What Might Cause Pregnancy Loss?

1. Chromosomal Abnormalities

A chromosomal abnormality is one of the most common causes of pregnancy loss. In many cases, these occur within the first five weeks of pregnancy, often before the woman realizes she's pregnant. While it's unknown why chromosomal abnormalities lead to pregnancy loss, one theory suggests it's an immune response produced when the mother's body recognizes the developing child is unviable.

2. Hormonal Irregularities

Hormonal imbalances can also lead to miscarriage and infertility risks, often affecting women with over or underactive thyroids.  Elevated hormone levels, including the reproductive hormone prolactin, can affect the uterine lining development, resulting in improper implantation and a lack of nourishment to the fertilized egg.

Additionally, studies show that women with increased thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) were nearly two to four times more likely to experience miscarriages than those with normal TSH levels.

3. Immune Disorders & Chronic Illness

Many women with chronic health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and certain immune disorders, experience miscarriages. Additionally, women with antiphospholipid syndrome—an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to make antibodies in response to pregnancy—are at a higher risk of repeated miscarriages.

If you're trying to conceive after a miscarriage, contact Diamond Institute for Infertility & Menopause in Millburn, NJ. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Ndidimaka Onwubalili and Dr. Matan Yemini have helped countless families realize their dreams of becoming parents. Contact them today at (973) 761-5600 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.