Recurrent miscarriage: what are the causes and how to deal with it? & bull; hello healthy

If you have a miscarriage more than 3 times in a row, the doctor refers to it as recurrent miscarriage or recurrent miscarriage. If you experience recurrent miscarriage Your doctor or midwife will refer you to a gynecologist, who will identify the cause of the miscarriage.

Having multiple miscarriages can make you feel hopeless. Sometimes, it can be hard to have the hope of having a baby.

Try to brace yourself for the fact that most women who have recurrent miscarriages end up having babies. This is especially true if your test results do not reveal the reason for the miscarriage. 6 out of 10 women who have had 3 miscarriages have a successful baby in their next pregnancy.

How common are recurrent miscarriages?

About 1 in 100 women have recurrent miscarriages. Often times, in some women, it is not clear why recurrent miscarriages occur. About half of all recurrent miscarriages have no known cause.

However, several causes of recurrent miscarriage can be identified.

What causes recurrent miscarriage?

If you have had multiple miscarriages, the one question you need answered is: "Why did this happen?". Even if no cause is found, there is still a chance of a successful pregnancy in the future.

Several health conditions are known to cause miscarriage. Usually the conditions that cause recurrent miscarriage are uncommon conditions, such as:

• Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or syndromes sticky blood or Hughes syndrome that causes blood clotting that is not correct. APS is found in 15% -20% of recurrent miscarriages.
• Decreased blood clotting disorders or thrombophilia. Thrombophilia is similar to APS, but thrombophilia is present from birth. Blood clots more easily and can cause recurrent miscarriages.
• Genetic problems. You or your partner may have a chromosome abnormality that doesn't cause problems until it's passed on to your baby. Chromosomal abnormalities are often associated with recurrent miscarriage in as many as 2% -5% of couples.
• Problems with the uterus (uterus) or pelvis. You may have a deformity in the uterus or pelvis that is weak. Bacterial vaginosis or infection of the vagina can increase the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth.
• Hormone problems. Some conditions, such as polycystic ovaries, are associated with recurrent miscarriages. However, it is not clear why this is related to miscarriage and how it works.

Age can have a bearing on miscarriage. The older you are, the more likely you are to have a miscarriage. Father's age can also increase the risk of miscarriage.

The sad fact is: each miscarriage can increase the risk of further miscarriage.

At the age of 35 years and over, the number and quality of eggs begins to decline rapidly. This can make the genetic material in the egg incompatible at fertilization. Chromosomal abnormalities in babies are more prone to occur, increasing the chance of miscarriage.

Of all the possible causes, there are cases that have no reason. This thing is called unexplained recurrent miscarriage aka unexplained recurrent miscarriage. However, as the cause is found in recurrent miscarriage, the case unexplained recurrent miscarriage can go down.

What tests and treatments need to be done?

If you have miscarried more than 3 times, the doctor will ask a gynecologist who will check the cause of your recurrent miscarriage.

Test

You may have a blood test to check for APS or syndromes sticky blood . The test will look for antibodies for the condition. Antibodies are chemicals the body produces to fight infection. It takes 2 tests, 6 weeks apart, to see if you have APS or not.

If you have APS, you will still have a chance to get pregnant successfully, with the right treatment. If you become pregnant again, your doctor will give you blood thinners such as aspirin and heparin to treat APS.

You and your partner can have a blood test to check for chromosomal abnormalities or karyotyping. If any abnormalities are found, you and your partner should see a genetic specialist for counseling.

The counselor can explain the abnormality and your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Sometimes, the test results don't provide an answer. If the doctor can't find a cause for the miscarriage, you can look at it as an opportunity another time, if you want to keep trying. You can also feel disappointed that there is no explanation and frustrated when there is nothing else for you to try.

Your doctor can offer other tests if you have had other miscarriages. With your consent, a failed pregnancy tissue check or post mortem can be done. This test can look for problems with the chromosomes.

The tissue from the placenta can also be tested for signs of problems. If an abnormality is found, the more likely it is that the next successful pregnancy is due to the usual abnormality one-off.

Ultrasound Scan (Ultrasound)

The doctor will offer ultrasound scan (Ultrasound) to examine your uterus. Scan can show abnormalities that prevent pregnancy. Depending on the abnormality, it may still be possible for you to have a successful pregnancy. For example, some abnormalities can be corrected with surgery.

If you have possible pelvic weakness, you will be offered to do scan again in subsequent pregnancies.

It can be difficult for doctors to check for pelvic weakness if you are not pregnant. Your doctor can suspect this condition if in a later pregnancy, your tubes burst earlier, or your pelvis opens up without pain.

In subsequent pregnancies, minor surgery may be performed to suture your pelvis. This can help you from other miscarriages. There are pros and cons of this procedure, which will be explained by the doctor.

Uterine abnormalities and pelvic weakness are rare conditions.

How likely are you to have a healthy baby?

If your miscarriage has no definite cause, you have a good chance of having a successful pregnancy. You will be cared for with the utmost care and and given extra care in early pregnancy.

A special team will treat you at the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) around you. Intensive care and support can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. About ¾ women who experience unexplained recurrent losses, will eventually have a healthy baby, with the right support and care.

If you or your partner have chromosomal problems that lead to miscarriage, it's hard to predict your chances of having a healthy baby. Some conditions do not improve each time you become pregnant. Every couple has different conditions and you will be counseled by a doctor who specializes in genetic disorders.

Some, but not all, of the conditions that cause recurrent miscarriage are treatable. Nothing can guarantee the chance of a successful pregnancy. However, a gynecologist can take your medical history, age, and test results into account when discussing your chances of a successful pregnancy.

It will be very difficult if you are devastated by the loss you are feeling. Support can really help you. Tell your closest friends and family, as well as your doctor, about your feelings.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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