ABSTRACT
Recurrent pregnancy loss or habitual abortion (HAB), although relatively uncommon, is emotionally devastating to couples. Traditionally defined as the loss of three consecutive clinically diagnosed pregnancies in the first or second trimester, this problem affects about 1% of couples attempting pregnancy. Primary HAB refers to couples who have no viable offspring, whereas those with secondary HAB have at least one child. The rate of spontaneous abortions (SAB) of clinically diagnosed pregnancies varies from 10% in women less than 20 years old to 35% in women over 40 years of age. Paternal age, parity and conception within three months of a delivery also may increase the risk of SAB. The trimester in which loss occurs is also important. Seventy-five percent of SABs occur in the first trimester,4 and more than half of these will be aneuploidy. Many disease entities have been suggested as causes of HAB. Most of these are controversial.
