On epidemiological evidence, the definition of recurrent miscarriage should be three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Data should be collected to 28 weeks' gestation but analysis up to 20-22 weeks' or 500 g fetal weight should also be possible. General practitioners and gynaecologists should do what they feel is suitable for couples whose history does not meet these criteria but a diagnosis of recurrent miscarriage should not be made. Women meeting the definition can be subdivided into primary and secondary groups, respectively consisting of those who have lost all previous pregnancies and those who have had one successful pregnancy followed by consecutive losses.