Recurrent Miscarriages

Miscarriages come as a shocking blow to couples who want a baby. Even one miscarriage is devastating, and some unfortunate couples experience several miscarriages in a row.

What does it mean to have a miscarriage, and how can you prevent another them?

Well, it's important to know a few things. Miscarriage is more common; about 15% of all pregnancies are lost. Most miscarriages are due to the fetus itself being an abnormal one. Thus the miscarriage is nature's way of taking care of a problem. Only occasionally does a pregnancy fail because of problems with mom or her uterus. And if it's your first and only miscarriage, there's usually nothing to worry about. Wait 2 months and try again.

But if you've had 2 or more miscarriages, you should see why. Treatments are available to correct most problems that cause miscarriages to recur. While your ob/gyn doctor is usually able to do a basic evaluation, you may need to see a specialist; not all ob/gyns are comfortable treating this problem.

A careful evaluation will find the problem at least half the time. The most common problems have to do with the uterus, or womb. The interior of the uterus must be normal to carry a pregnancy. So if it is distorted by fibroids, polyps, or scarring inside the cavity, then miscarriage is likely. These problems are best detected by ultrasound or x-ray exams. Surgery can fix most of them.

Also, if not enough of the hormone progesterone is present, then the special tissue that lines the inside of the uterus is not prepared to support a pregnancy, and miscarriage will occur. Low progesterone levels or a tissue sample will detect this problem. Taking extra progesterone or using "the fertility pill" clomiphene corrects this problem.

In some cases the immune system can cause a problem. In these cases, instead of protecting the baby, mom's immune system attacks it. Evaluating this problem is tricky, and should involve discussion with a specialist. Treatments often include aspirin and heparin to blunt the immune attack.

Other less common problems include abnormal chromosomes in either parent, and infections of the uterus. While nothing can be done for chromosome problems, infections can usually be easily treated with a short course of antibiotics.

In most cases, the chance for avoiding a miscarriage with the next pregnancy is between 60 and 80%. So if you've suffered from miscarriages, don't give up hope. See a doctor who knows how to check into these problem areas so appropriate treatment can be given. The chances are good that you can have a healthy baby!