This devastating condition is also known as ‘Recurrent Pregnancy Loss’ (RPL) and is associated with reproductive problems with the parents, resulting in the loss of viable pregnancies. According to scientists from the Monash Institute of Medical Research and Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital, 5% of women will suffer two miscarriages or more.

The recurrent miscarriage figures in NZ start from 3 miscarriages and are defined as being after ‘3 or more early miscarriages (before 13 weeks), not necessarily consecutive, but all pregnancies must be by the same partner, or 2 late miscarriages (13 - 20 weeks)’ which affects between 2%-3% of women. Only 1%-2% of these women do not go on to have a family according to statistics from various sources.

Even with a second miscarriage, it is not generally a precursor to future problems and there is a 72% chance that a third pregnancy will be fine. However, if you wish to take positive action, have some basic diagnostic tests done and treated when possible. It could be helpful and prevent further trauma, especially if the miscarriage is with the same partner and you suspect that you or he suffer from one or more of the listed ‘Why Miscarriages Happen’. You may need to be persistent and ask around for a medical professional who agrees. After three consecutive miscarriages, testing is essential as chances of a normal pregnancy are only 43%. 

In many cases of recurrent miscarriage, the reason is found; however in around 50%, nothing is ever discovered as the definitive cause. In one research study on this 50%, no specific treatment was offered except asking participants to remove as many stress factors as possible in their lives. How this was achieved is not described and the resulting 80% success rate is controversial. However individuals have their own body rhythm, family history, stresses and circumstances. You may wish to try this yourself by making changes and trying relaxing techniques when possible. A recent study by Dr. Vivian Rittenberg concludes that over-weight is a factor although the reason why is not clear (you may like to Google her name for more details). Miscarriage is also self correcting to some degree with a spontaneous cure rate of 30%-50% so there is hope.