SA's IVF Leader Since 1982
Treatments & Services

Compassionate Care for Those Facing Pregnancy Loss

We understand that experiencing multiple pregnancy loss is heartbreaking. It can leave you feeling lost, anxious, and searching for answers. Each pregnancy brings hope, and each loss brings pain and uncertainty. If you’ve been through this, you are not alone.

At Flinders Fertility, our Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Clinic, led by Prof Neil Johnson and Dr Toby Angstmann, is dedicated to supporting you with expert investigation, evidence-based treatments, and compassionate care. Our goal is to help you understand why this is happening and guide you towards a successful pregnancy.

Pregnancy loss is far more common than many realise, affecting up to one in four pregnancies. While most women who experience a miscarriage go on to have a healthy pregnancy, some face the devastating pattern of repeated losses. Recurrent pregnancy loss (is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 20 weeks gestation. The good news is that, in many cases, there are identifiable and treatable causes.

Our team is here to provide the answers you need and give you the best possible chance of carrying a pregnancy to term.

Investigating the Causes of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Recurrent pregnancy loss can have multiple causes, and finding the reason is the first step towards a solution. At our clinic, we perform a comprehensive investigation, which may include:

1. Genetic Testing

  • Parental Karyotyping – A blood test to check for chromosomal abnormalities in either partner.
  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) – Screening embryos during IVF for chromosomal issues that may lead to miscarriage.

2. Uterine & Structural Assessments

  • 3D Ultrasound & Hysteroscopy – To detect uterine abnormalities such as fibroids, polyps, septum, or scarring.
  • Sonohysterogram (Saline Infusion Ultrasound) – A detailed assessment of the uterus and endometrial lining.

3. Hormonal & Metabolic Screening

  • Thyroid Function Testing – As an underactive or overactive thyroid can increase miscarriage risk.
  • PCOS & Insulin Resistance Testing – Hormonal imbalances can affect pregnancy maintenance.
  • Progesterone Levels – To assess luteal phase support.

4. Blood Clotting & Immune System Testing

  • Thrombophilia Screening – Identifying inherited or acquired blood clotting disorders such as Factor V Leiden or Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).
  • Natural Killer (NK) Cell Testing – Investigating whether immune responses may be preventing successful pregnancy progression.

5. Sperm Quality Assessment

  • DNA Fragmentation Testing – High levels of sperm DNA damage can contribute to pregnancy loss.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Once we identify the underlying cause, we develop a tailored treatment plan to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. This may include

  • Lifestyle & Nutritional Support – Enhancing fertility through small but powerful changes.
  • Hormonal Therapy – Addressing thyroid imbalances, progesterone deficiency, or insulin resistance.
  • Blood-Thinning Medication – Helping women with clotting disorders sustain a pregnancy.
  • Immunotherapy – Regulating immune system responses that may impact pregnancy.
  • Surgical Correction – Removing fibroids, polyps, or uterine scarring that may affect implantation.
  • Optimised IVF & PGT-A Screening – Reducing miscarriage risk through advanced embryo selection.

We know that every pregnancy loss brings fear for the future, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Our team is here to walk beside you, providing not only medical expertise but also emotional support every step of the way.

Want to find out more?

For more information, book an appointment with Prof. Neil Johnson or Dr Toby Angstmann. Please mention that you are booking a recurrent pregnancy loss appointment to ensure that the appropriate consultation is selected.

Book an appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 20 weeks gestation. If you have experienced multiple losses, it is important to undergo further evaluation

Some of the main causes include:

  • Genetic abnormalities – Either in the embryo or due to parental chromosomal translocations.
  • Uterine issues – Fibroids, adhesions, or a uterine septum.
  • Hormonal imbalances – Thyroid dysfunction, PCOS, or low progesterone.
  • Blood clotting disorders – Conditions like Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) or Factor V Leiden.
  • Immune system overactivity – Overactive natural killer (NK) cells affecting implantation.
  • Sperm DNA fragmentation – Poor sperm integrity affecting embryo development.

Patients should expect an in-depth discussion of their medical history and lifestyle, and a review of previous results and treatment. Additional tests may also be required. Once we have a thorough understanding of your situation, we’ll recommend the next steps.

Even when no clear cause is found, many couples go on to have a successful pregnancy naturally or with minor interventions. A personalised care plan can help improve pregnancy outcomes.

Not necessarily. Many women can conceive naturally after treatment. However, IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) may be recommended if chromosomal abnormalities are a concern.