Are special tests recommended before attempting pregnancy after miscarriage?

If you experience two or more consecutive miscarriages, your health care provider might recommend testing to identify any underlying causes before you attempt to get pregnant again. For example:

• Blood tests. A sample of your blood is evaluated to help detect problems with hormones or your immune system.
• Chromosomal tests. You and your partner might both have your blood tested to determine if your chromosomes are a factor. Tissue from the miscarriage — if it's available — also might be tested.

Procedures can also be done to detect uterine problems. For example:

• Ultrasound. This imaging method uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within your body. Your health care provider places the ultrasound device over your abdomen or places it inside your vagina to obtain images of your uterus. An ultrasound might identify uterine problems, such as fibroids within the uterine cavity.
• Hysteroscopy. Your health care provider inserts a thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope through your cervix into your uterus to diagnose and treat identified intrauterine problems.
• Hysterosalpingography. Your health care provider threads a thin tube through your vagina and cervix to release a liquid contrast dye into your uterus and fallopian tubes. The dye traces the shape of your uterine cavity and fallopian tubes and makes them visible on X-ray images. This procedure provides information about the internal contours of your uterus and any obstructions in the fallopian tubes.
• Sonohysterography. This ultrasound scan is done after saline is injected into the hollow part of your uterus though your vagina and cervix. This procedure provides information about the inside of your uterus, the outer surface of the uterus and any obstructions in the fallopian tubes.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This imaging test uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your uterus.

If the cause of your miscarriages can't be identified, don't lose hope. Most women who experience repeated miscarriages are likely to eventually have healthy pregnancies.