Diagnostics · Recurrent miscarriage
Recurrent Miscarriage Testing & Support
Specialist support after recurrent miscarriage, combining evidence-informed acupuncture with a detailed review of your fertility history, investigations and possible next steps.
How we can help
A detailed review of your history and previous investigations
Looking at both partners, including sperm health
Evidence-informed acupuncture, continued into early pregnancy
Informed by ongoing clinical audit. Our pregnancy and birth rates for people experiencing recurrent miscarriage are higher than those typically reported for comparable patient groups.See our audit data →
See our audit data →How we support you
Miscarriage is distressingly common and can leave couples feeling powerless. Many of our patients come to us after one or more losses, looking for both physical recovery and a clearer understanding of why it happened.
Acupuncture may support hormonal balance, inflammation and uterine blood flow, which is why we usually recommend continuing it through early pregnancy. Some miscarriages happen for chromosomal reasons no treatment can prevent, but recurrent loss is worth investigating properly.
It takes two to create and carry a baby to full term. Paternal genes strongly influence how the placenta grows, so if sperm DNA is damaged, the risk of pregnancy loss can rise.
Investigations worth considering
There isn't a single test that explains every loss, and for many couples no clear cause is found. These are the tests we most often talk through, and why each one might be relevant. You may not need every one.
- In guidelines
- Situational
- Emerging
- Antiphospholipid antibodiesVia consultationIn guidelines
Antiphospholipid syndrome is one of the few well-established, treatable causes of recurrent miscarriage, and most guidelines recommend testing for it. A positive result needs repeating at least 12 weeks later to confirm it.
Via consultationBlood test - Thyroid function and antibodiesVia consultationIn guidelinesAbout this test →
Thyroid problems are common, simple to test for and usually treatable. Checking thyroid antibodies as well as thyroid function gives a fuller picture.
- Sperm DNA fragmentationfrom £545SituationalAbout this test →
Sperm DNA damage isn't picked up by a standard semen analysis. Some studies link higher levels, particularly double-strand damage, with miscarriage. The evidence is still developing, but it's one of the few male-side investigations that's relevant here.
- Karyotype (chromosome) testing£399 per personSituationalAbout this test →
A small proportion of couples with recurrent loss include one partner who carries a balanced chromosomal rearrangement. It doesn't affect their own health but can affect pregnancies. Guidelines tend to suggest testing when there's a specific reason, so it's something we'd usually discuss with you first.
- Vaginal microbiome£325EmergingAbout this test →
This is a newer area. There's growing research into links between the vaginal microbiome and pregnancy loss, but it isn't part of standard guidelines yet, and we'll be honest about what a result can and can't tell you.
Tests you might hear about
Some tests are widely offered after miscarriage but aren't supported by current guidelines. We think it's just as useful to explain those.
NK cell testing
NK cell tests are offered by some clinics, but current guidelines, including ESHRE's, don't recommend them outside research. The tests aren't well standardised, and there's no good evidence that treating the results improves outcomes.
HLA testing
Testing couples for HLA compatibility isn't recommended for recurrent miscarriage, as it hasn't been shown to help guide treatment.
Inherited thrombophilia screening
Screening for inherited clotting conditions isn't usually recommended unless there are other risk factors, such as a personal or family history of blood clots. This is different from antiphospholipid testing, which is recommended.
In early pregnancy
HCG blood testing for reassurance
Home tests can confirm a pregnancy, but they don't tell you much about how things are progressing. A quantitative HCG blood test measures your exact level, and can often pick up a pregnancy before a urine test would.
How repeat testing works
- 1A first blood test measures your exact HCG level
- 2A second test a few days later
- 3We check your levels are rising as expected
Further reading
Talk it through with us
If you've experienced recurrent loss, a full case review can help identify possible causes and plan your next steps.
Advanced Fertility Case Review
£24090 mins. Designed for more complex journeys, including recurrent miscarriage, with a detailed review of your history and investigations.
Not sure where to start?
Check with Verity First
£35Send a short account of your journey and your existing results, and Verity will suggest the most useful next step. It's a brief review rather than a full treatment plan, and the £35 can be credited towards a later consultation or acupuncture appointment.