Recurrent Miscarriage & Genomics
Information and resources for healthcare professionals caring for people after recurrent miscarriage
Anyone who has had three or more miscarriages is entitled to genetic testing of the pregnancy tissue on the NHS (test R318). Many are not offered it. When we spoke to women in the South East, only 1 in 10 had been offered testing after their recurrent losses.
These pages are here to help you offer testing confidently and sensitively. They explain:
- The biology behind recurrent miscarriage: the chromosome changes that cause most early losses
- Why is this important: what women and professionals told us, and what our data shows
- Support for your patients: the patient leaflet, how to talk about testing, and where to signpost
- What genetic tests are available and how to order: eligibility, the testing pathway and sending a sample
- The science behind genetic testing for recurrent miscarriage: how the lab tests work (coming soon)
- FAQs: answers to the questions we are asked most often
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recurrent miscarriage | Three or more pregnancy losses before 24 weeks, not necessarily consecutive. It affects about 1 in 100 women. |
| Chromosomal cause | Up to 60% of miscarriages are associated with a chromosome abnormality in the pregnancy. Most happen by chance. |
| Inherited cause | Around 2% of recurrent miscarriages are due to a chromosome rearrangement carried by one of the parents. |
| Who is eligible | Testing of the pregnancy tissue (R318) from the third miscarriage, and each one after that, where tissue is available. |
| Unsuitable samples | In the South East, 16% of pregnancy tissue samples could not be tested (307 of 1,968, May 2025 to March 2026). |
The report and patient leaflet
Improving the experiences of people entitled to genetic testing after recurrent miscarriage (June 2026)
What 10 women and 10 healthcare professionals told us about genetic testing after recurrent miscarriage, the data on referrals and unsuitable samples across the South East, and our recommendations.
Genetic testing after three miscarriages (patient leaflet)
Written with women who have had recurrent miscarriages, in partnership with Miscarriage UK and the Association of Early Pregnancy Units. Please share it with your patients.
National webinar
We are launching the report at a free national webinar on Thursday 19 November 2026, 12pm to 1:30pm, online on Microsoft Teams, with Miscarriage UK and the Association of Early Pregnancy Units. We’ll share what women and healthcare professionals told us, and how we can work together to improve care. Everyone working in early pregnancy, gynaecology, maternity and genetics is welcome.
Who we worked with
This work was developed by the South East Genomic Medicine Service, in partnership with Miscarriage UK and the Association of Early Pregnancy Units. Thank you to the women and healthcare professionals who shared their experiences with us.
