Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashlesha Patwardhan, Reproductive Health Doctor & Women's Health Researcher| Last reviewed: October 2025
After experiencing miscarriage, fear of recurrence can feel overwhelming. “Will this happen again?” is one of the most common and urgent questions.
What the Numbers Say
After one miscarriage, most people go on to have a healthy pregnancy > next time; the chance of another miscarriage is about 20%.
Even after two losses, most will have a successful next pregnancy.
Recurrent miscarriage (usually defined as three or more consecutive > losses) affects about 1 in 100 couples.
Beyond the Numbers
Your personal risk depends on factors like:
Increased maternal age
Parental chromosomal factors
Uterine factors (adhesions, fibroids)
Endocrine issues (uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid dysfunction)
Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs)
Previous history of miscarriage
Tools That Can Help
Organizations like Tommy’s offer resources to help contextualize this risk. Their miscarriage support tool uses research data to estimate your likelihood of another loss, based on your individual history. This tool is best used to guide a conversation with your doctor, not to replace it.
The Emotional Perspective
Statistics don’t always soothe the heart. Some women feel comforted by knowing the odds are still in their favor. Others feel consumed by the possibility of another loss, no matter how small.
“I know the numbers, but I can’t shake the fear that I’ll be the unlucky one.”
Both responses are valid.
Key Takeaways
Speak to your GP/clinician after two miscarriages to discuss whether > any tests are helpful, and seek specialist review after three > consecutive losses (recurrent miscarriage).
Your personal risk depends on multiple factors — not just > statistics.
Tommy’s recurrent miscarriage calculator is one resource that can > help you understand your own risk profile.
Fear after loss is normal. Give yourself permission to feel it, but > don’t let it steal your hope.
Fear of recurrence is one of the most central challenges of considering a future pregnancy. For the full emotional picture of carrying a pregnancy after loss, see Pregnancy After Miscarriage: Hope, Fear, and the Meaning of a Rainbow Baby. If recurrent miscarriage is a concern, How Are Recurrent Miscarriages Diagnosed and Treated goes deeper on the medical side. And for navigating fertility conversations with your partner, read How to Talk to Your Partner About Fertility Fears.
Navigating life after loss can feel isolating. Sibyl is a private, clinically-informed space to process what you’re going through — whether that’s grief, fertility fears, or the anxiety of trying again. Everything you share is confidential. Try Sibyl
