In the workup for recurrent pregnancy loss, which assessment is typically included?

• A. Parental karyotypes
• B. Pelvic ultrasound
• C. Glucose tolerance testing
• D. Vitamin D levels only

Answer: (A)

In recurrent pregnancy loss, inherited chromosomal abnormalities in the parents are a common cause, so testing to detect these is routinely included. Parental karyotyping looks for balanced translocations or other rearrangements in one or both parents that can produce conceptions with unbalanced chromosomes, leading to multiple miscarriages. Identifying such a finding provides clear etiologic information and guides counseling and management, including options like preimplantation genetic testing with IVF or alternative reproductive strategies.

Pelvic ultrasound can identify uterine structural issues (for example, a septate uterus or fibroids) that can contribute to loss, but it addresses anatomy rather than a genetic contribution from the parents. Glucose tolerance testing is used to screen for diabetes-related pregnancy complications, not a primary cause of recurrent loss. Vitamin D levels aren’t a standard part of the core workup for recurrent loss.