Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Treatment in London
Dr. Vidya Seshadri is a fertility consultant based in London, specializing in reproductive endocrinology, recurrent pregnancy loss, and individualized fertility care. She believes in combining clinical precision with compassionate support to guide couples through complex reproductive journeys.
When Hope Repeats: Navigating Recurrent Pregnancy Loss With Science and Sensitivity
Pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation. But for some, it becomes a cycle of hope and heartbreak. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)—defined in many countries as two or more consecutive miscarriages—can be one of the most emotionally isolating experiences a couple faces. Yet it is more common than we think, and increasingly, it is more treatable.
The idea that women must experience three losses before being offered medical support is outdated. Research and experience now tell us that early evaluation—after just two pregnancy losses—can offer both relief and answers.
Understanding the Many Layers of Recurrent pregnancy loss:
Recurrent pregnancy loss is rarely caused by one single issue. In many cases, multiple small factors combine to make conception and implantation more difficult. These causes can include:
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, and obesity are all associated with higher miscarriage rates.
Hormonal or metabolic conditions: Thyroid dysfunction or insulin resistance can quietly disrupt early pregnancy.
Genetic abnormalities: Either partner may carry chromosomal rearrangements that lead to abnormal embryos.
Uterine abnormalities: Structural issues such as a uterine septum or fibroids can interfere with implantation.
Blood clotting disorders: Conditions like thrombophilia can affect placental function.
Immune system involvement: Though still debated, natural killer (NK) cell activity and other immune responses are being explored as potential factors.
A Couple-Centered Evaluation:
One key message for couples facing RPL is this: the burden does not lie solely with the woman. Male factors are often overlooked, but poor sperm quality and DNA fragmentation can increase the risk of miscarriage. That’s why a proper workup should include:
Semen analysis and sperm DNA testing
High-resolution pelvic ultrasound (preferably 3D)
Blood tests for clotting profiles, thyroid hormones, and autoimmune markers
Genetic karyotyping when chromosomal issues are suspected
NK cell panel testing, if the history suggests immune involvement
Pathways to Treatment:
While each couple’s plan will differ, common treatment strategies include:
🩺 Lifestyle adjustments: Achieving a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol can restore natural balance.
💊 Hormonal and pharmacological support: Supplements like folic acid, vitamin D, and progesterone help regulate the early stages of pregnancy. Low-dose aspirin or blood thinners may be used in women with clotting risks.
🧬 IVF with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): For couples with known chromosomal concerns or unexplained RPL, selecting chromosomally normal embryos can improve success rates.
🧠 Emotional and psychological support: Grief, anxiety, and trauma often accompany repeated losses. Counseling, peer support, and compassionate care can be as important as medical treatments.
Conclusion:
Recurrent pregnancy loss is not a life sentence. Many couples who experience recurrent miscarriages go on to have healthy pregnancies with the right support and strategy. The key is early intervention, comprehensive evaluation, and a personalized approach that sees the whole couple—not just the diagnosis.
The journey may be complex, but it does not have to be faced alone with empathy, science, and partnership, hope can become reality.
