Three miscarriages, one miracle: Woman overcomes recurrent pregnancy loss to embrace motherhood

After three devastating miscarriages and years of uncertainty, a 33-year-old woman in Gurgaon has successfully embraced motherhood, highlighting how specialised treatment, early diagnosis and close medical supervision can help couples overcome recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

For Pooja (name changed), the journey began with hope in early 2021 but soon turned into heartbreak after her first miscarriage. Determined to try again, she and her husband Rahul (name changed) remained hopeful, only to face a second loss in mid-2022 and a third later the same year.

The repeated losses left the couple emotionally shattered and anxious about their chances of ever becoming parents.

Clinically, recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as two or more consecutive miscarriages. Affecting nearly 1–2 per cent of couples, the condition often has identifiable and treatable causes in nearly half of all cases, making early medical evaluation crucial.

Identifying underlying medical causes

After nearly a year of recovery, the couple sought specialised medical care in November 2023. Detailed investigations revealed multiple underlying conditions, including high blood pressure, hormonal imbalance, thrombophilia—a disorder that increases blood clotting tendency—and insulin resistance.

“These conditions significantly increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications,” said Dr Preety Aggarwal, Medical Director – Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon, who oversaw the case.

Following medical optimisation and counselling, the couple proceeded with in vitro fertilisation (IVF), a process that offers hope to many couples facing fertility challenges. The pregnancy was confirmed in early 2024 and monitored closely.

“The patient came to us with a history of three miscarriages and significant anxiety. Her evaluation revealed multiple medical risk factors, all of which required careful management,” Dr Aggarwal said.

High-risk pregnancy required intensive monitoring

The initial months of pregnancy progressed smoothly, offering cautious optimism. However, at around 31 weeks of gestation, complications emerged when her blood pressure rose and routine ultrasound scans revealed fetal growth restriction (FGR), a condition in which the baby does not grow at the expected rate inside the womb.

FGR affects nearly 5–10 per cent of pregnancies and can increase the risk of fetal distress, preterm birth and long-term health complications if not managed promptly.

“At 31 weeks, fetal growth restriction and reduced blood flow indicated compromised nourishment to the baby,” Dr Aggarwal said. “Timely steroids, continuous observation and a planned preterm delivery ensured a safe outcome.”

Recognising the risk, doctors administered antenatal steroid injections to accelerate the baby’s lung maturity and placed the mother under intensive monitoring.

When early signs of fetal distress appeared, the medical team performed a planned caesarean section at 32.5 weeks of pregnancy to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

NICU care ensured steady recovery

The premature newborn required specialised neonatal intensive care, including respiratory support, temperature regulation and assisted feeding. The baby remained in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for approximately 18 days.

Doctors also encouraged Kangaroo Mother Care—skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby—which helps stabilise breathing, promote weight gain and strengthen emotional bonding.

With gradual improvement, the baby began accepting feeds independently and showed steady growth. Both mother and child were eventually discharged in stable condition, with doctors advising regular follow-ups and developmental monitoring.

Hope after years of heartbreak

For Pooja, the emotional journey was as challenging as the medical one.

“After losing three pregnancies, we were scared to hope again,” she said. “When doctors explained that my condition was recurrent pregnancy loss and that the causes were treatable, it gave us strength. Delivering early was frightening, but I trusted the medical team. Today, seeing my baby grow stronger every day feels like a miracle.”

Doctors say the case underscores the importance of early evaluation, even after a first miscarriage, particularly when underlying hormonal, metabolic or clotting disorders may be involved.

“Early diagnosis, planned conception and specialised high-risk pregnancy care can significantly improve outcomes,” Dr Aggarwal said. “With proper medical support, many couples facing recurrent pregnancy loss can still achieve a healthy pregnancy.”

Medical experts emphasise that while miscarriage can occur due to chance, repeated pregnancy loss warrants specialised assessment and treatment—offering hope to couples who may otherwise lose confidence in their chances of becoming parents.