What Is a Miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester and are often due to genetic or chromosomal abnormalities that prevent the embryo from developing normally. Miscarriage is a relatively common occurrence, affecting about 10–20% of natural pregnancies—and similar or sometimes slightly higher rates are observed in IVF pregnancies.
Does IVF Increase the Risk of Miscarriage?
IVF does not inherently cause miscarriage, but several factors associated with IVF patients may increase the risk:
1. Maternal Age
Age is one of the strongest predictors of miscarriage risk. Women over 35 have a higher chance of producing eggs with chromosomal abnormalities, which can lead to miscarriage—regardless of whether conception is natural or through IVF.
2. Underlying Fertility Issues
Conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, uterine abnormalities, or hormonal imbalances can affect the ability to sustain a pregnancy. Many of these conditions are also reasons for seeking IVF in the first place.
3. Embryo Quality
Low-quality embryos—whether due to poor egg or sperm quality—are less likely to implant or may result in early miscarriage. Embryos with chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) are a leading cause of first-trimester losses.
4. Immune or Blood Clotting Disorders
Certain immune system disorders and thrombophilias (blood clotting problems) can interfere with implantation or cause early pregnancy loss, even during IVF cycles.
How IVF Helps Reduce Some Miscarriage Risks
Although IVF doesn’t eliminate the possibility of miscarriage, it can reduce some risks with the help of advanced techniques:
✅ Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A)
PGT-A allows for screening of embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. This helps improve implantation success and lowers miscarriage risk by ensuring only healthy embryos are transferred.
✅ Single Embryo Transfer (SET)
Transferring one healthy embryo instead of multiple reduces the chance of complications like multiple pregnancy or vanishing twin syndrome, which can contribute to pregnancy loss.
✅ Close Monitoring
IVF pregnancies are typically monitored closely from the start. Early ultrasounds and hormone checks allow doctors to detect and address issues early in the pregnancy.
Emotional Impact of Miscarriage After IVF
The emotional toll of losing a pregnancy after IVF can be profound. Couples often report feeling:
Shock and grief, especially if they believed IVF had “solved” their fertility challenges
Guilt or self-blame, even when miscarriage is out of their control
Fear of trying again, worried about repeat losses
It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek emotional support. Fertility counselors and support groups can provide tools to process grief and help you regain hope for future attempts.
What to Do After a Miscarriage During IVF
If you experience a miscarriage after IVF, your doctor may recommend:
Genetic testing of the miscarriage tissue (if possible) to identify chromosomal causes
Hormone or immune system evaluations to rule out other underlying issues
Taking time to heal, physically and emotionally, before considering the next steps
Modifying your IVF plan, such as changing stimulation protocols, adding PGT-A, or using donor eggs/sperm if needed
Conclusion
Miscarriage after IVF is a deeply painful experience, but it is not uncommon—and it does not mean you can’t have a successful pregnancy in the future. Understanding the link between IVF and miscarriage can empower you to ask the right questions, explore preventative options, and seek support when needed. With continued advances in fertility treatment and the right care, many couples go on to have healthy, full-term pregnancies—even after loss.
