Our Los Angeles Fertility Specialists Dispel RPL and Miscarriage Myths

RPL and miscarriages can be isolating experiences, and patients often find themselves surrounded by misinformation. Get the facts and contact USC Fertility for the support you need as you go through the recovery process.

Recurrent pregnancy loss, RPL, can cause a cascade of emotions, from devastation to confusion to self-blame. But multiple miscarriages are in a unique medical category. Unlike many other conditions, miscarriage rates rarely rise and fall. RPLs and miscarriages have taken place at relatively steady rates for thousands of years, meaning that cultural and social myths have had time to gain a deep foothold.

The myths and misinformation about RPL are powerful and may be untrue, and at our Los Angeles fertility center, we’ve heard them all. If you’re experiencing the pain and loss of a miscarriage, don’t take any of these common beliefs to heart. Instead, you should get the facts from your fertility specialist.

Myth #1: Miscarriages are rare.

About one in five known pregnancies ends in miscarriage. This statistic holds true in each pregnancy. In other words, a pregnancy loss does not preclude the possibility of a healthy pregnancy later, and vice versa.

Myth #2: Miscarriages and RPL are caused by the behavior of the mother.

Common misinformation suggests that heavy lifting, certain foods and certain types of activity cause miscarriages. But in almost all cases, miscarriages and RPL are caused by genetic abnormalities that can’t be predicted or prevented.

Myth #3: Miscarriages are not a big deal.

If a healthcare provider or a family member downplays your grief or expects you to recover immediately, tune them out. Miscarriages and RPL are rarely discussed, so the experience can be isolating, but you aren’t alone. There is no set timeline for the recovery process. If your healthcare team can’t offer the support you need, look for it elsewhere.

Myth #4: RPL can be prevented by aspirin, heparin or progesterone supplements.

Very little data exists to support this common belief, and some aggressively marketed remedies can cause more harm than good. Consult your own fertility specialist before you put your faith in a miracle pill.

After one or more disappointing miscarriages, trying again can be difficult. But keep in mind that the odds of a successful pregnancy are still great—60 to 80%, even after multiple losses. Contact the experts at our Los Angeles fertility center to arrange a consultation with our team. We can offer the compassionate care you need in order to move forward.