The next pregnancy can have a different outcome.After two miscarriages, a positive test can feel like bad news.

The joy may come later. But it is understandable if you feel fear first.

About half of early miscarriages happen because the pregnancy developed with the wrong number of chromosomes. This usually occurs by chance. You did not cause it by anything you did – working, dancing, exercising or having sex.

After two losses, ask an obstetrician or gynaecologist for a proper review. Your doctor may examine your pregnancy history and check the shape of your womb. They may also request relevant blood tests including tests for thyroid problems, diabetes and antiphospholipid syndrome – a blood-clotting condition linked to repeated miscarriage.

Before trying again, start folic acid. When the pregnancy test becomes positive, contact your medical team and ask when you should have an early scan.

Please do not start medications such as aspirin or progesterone on your own. These treatments help in specific situations and should follow a medical assessment.

When doctors find no cause for repeated pregnancy loss, about 65 in every 100 women have a successful next pregnancy.