Early Pregnancy Loss

Abstract Loss of the conceptus can occur at any stage of pregnancy. If all of a couple’s conceptions were to end in early loss before pregnancy is clinically detected, the couple would perceive themselves as sterile. From another perspective, the loss of pregnancy before clinical recognition can be evidence that important reproductive functions are working. The ova and sperm are capable of fertilization, and the two gametes can successfully be brought together. Approximately 25% of implanting pregnancies end in early loss. This loss helps to screen out unhealthy conceptuses and reduces the prevalence of damaged fetuses detectable later in pregnancy and at birth.