What is Recurrent Miscarriage?
Recurrent miscarriage is associated with two or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Furthermore, it is also the condition when the foetus retards its growth, due to various reasons, before it reaches the 20th week, thus leading to the miscarriage of the pregnancy. They are also known as habitual abortions or Recurrent Pregnancy Losses. Symptoms of pregnancy loss include pain in the stomach or lower back and the discharge of fluid, blood, or tissue through the vagina. Sadly, once it has begun, it cannot be stopped. Nonetheless, it can be attempted to be prevented by medical techniques like curettage and dilation. Moreover, support from doctors and counselling are commonly accessible.
Primary Causes of Miscarriage
- Genetics
Approximately 50% to 60% of early miscarriages are associated with a chromosomal anomaly in the fetus. A genetic history of recurrent miscarriage or a genetic anomaly in the family suggests a parental karyotypic abnormality that could cause miscarriage.
- Haematological Disorders
A condition known as Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) occurs when the immune system unintentionally produces antibodies that attack bodily tissues. The blood clots brought on by these antibodies could lead to miscarriage. Recurrent pregnancy loss will test positive for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), which could actually range between 8% and 42%.
- Endocrine
The most frequent ultrasonography abnormality found in 40% of women who experience recurrent losses of pregnancy is polycystic ovaries (PCO). Yet, among ovulatory women who experience recurrent miscarriages and spontaneous conception, the incidence of polycystic ovarian disease does not predict pregnancy loss.
- Insulin Resistance
Recurrent miscarriage is significantly influenced by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can exist without regard to ovarian polycystic disease. During the first trimester of a new pregnancy, women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages are more susceptible to developing insulin resistance.
- Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid problems, both clinical and subclinical, are linked to recurrent miscarriages. When assessing miscarriages, thyroid function tests are advised based on clinical history.
- Environmental factors
Intake of smoking, caffeine, alcohol and intense workout can lead to a miscarriage. Even though it is not a proven fact, pregnant women are still advised to avoid alcohol, smoking, even second-hand smoke, and not more than two cups of coffee.
Tests and treatments for Recurrent Miscarriages:
Doctors will first ask for your medical history, conduct a pelvic exam, and if required they may even opt for one or more tests from the list mentioned below.
- Karyotype: This is the mapping of your chromosomes. It helps identify any genetic defects.
- Hysterosalpingogram: In this procedure, the doctors will take your x-ray and inject a special dye to check the shape of the insides of your uterus.
- Saline Sonohysterogram: In this procedure, sterile water is placed inside the uterus and a transvaginal ultrasound is performed. This procedure helps in identifying endometrial cavity abnormalities, such as polyps, fibroids, and scar tissue. This might increase the chances of recurrent miscarriage.
- Hysteroscopy: The doctors use a narrow fibre-optic telescope to look inside the uterus. They insert it into the uterus.
Other tests include:
- Vaginal Ultrasound
- Blood hormone levels
- Endometrial Biopsy
- Glucose Screening
- Antibodies Test
Once you get the test results, the doctor will come up with a customized treatment to rectify the problem.
Recurrent miscarriage is one of the most widely researched areas in medicine. Though the causes of miscarriage are many, they could be identified with a careful medical examination. Home remedies could lead to further complications. Any form of immunotherapy is not recommended until proper evidence is available. Hence, if you find yourself suffering from any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a doctor for a timely diagnosis.
You can request an appointment easily at Apollo Fertility, Kolkata, for a consultation by calling 1860-500-4424.
Unfortunately, about one in 100 women experiences recurrent miscarriages. Not all causes can often be determined why it keeps happening to some women, luckily early detection of specific problems can be treated clinically. Over the years Apollo Fertility team at Kolkata has been adding advanced treatments into its service and has been keen on providing the best possible remedies to couples with over 25000+ happy couples.
Pregnancy loss is most often a one-time occurrence. However, losing one pregnancy does increase the risk of losing another in the future.
Women should typically wait to have at least one normal menstrual cycle after a pregnancy loss before trying to conceive again. In such a case, it is advisable to consult your care provider at Apollo Fertility about possible precautionary ways to avoid causes for miscarriage, furthermore, you can get counselling to know if you are physically and emotionally ready to become pregnant again.
