What is the most common cause of miscarriage in the general population?
Most miscarriages are the result of a random genetic abnormality. It is generally accepted that the earlier the loss, the greater the likelihood that the pregnancy was genetically abnormal in some way. A recent study of women with recurrent pregnancy loss found their products of conception to be genetically abnormal 57% of the time. This same group conducted a study of women who miscarried without a history of recurrent pregnancy loss and found that 57 % of their products of conception were abnormal as well. What is the likelihood of recurrent pregnancy loss? Mathematical models suggest that the rates of recurrent pregnancy loss (the loss of three or more pregnancies) are much higher than what is seen clinically. Patients who have experienced a previous live birth and three pregnancy losses should anticipate a recurrence rate of miscarriage in their next pregnancy of 32%. Patients with no prior live births and three previous losses should expect a recurrence rate of 47%. What are the c
