Recurrent Miscarriage- A Problem That Requires Special Attention

Introduction

Recurrent miscarriage, in simple words, can be termed as a condition where a woman faces two or more miscarriages. Pregnancy loss can be termed as a clinically-distinguished pregnancy unwillingly finishing before 20 weeks. One of the things that need to keep in mind is that having a miscarriage doesn't stand for a fact that the woman will experience another miscarriage if she tries to conceive a baby. There are two different types of miscarriages, namely recurrent early miscarriages and recurrent late miscarriages. Talking about the recurrent early miscarriages, they can take place commonly because of chromosomal or genetic problems of the embryo. Sometimes if there is a structural problem found in the uterus, it may contribute to early miscarriage. In the case of recurrent late miscarriage, there can be a presence of uterine abnormalities, premature labor, ineffectual cervix or autoimmune problems.

Recurrent Miscarriage Causes

There are numerous kinds of causes linked to recurrent miscarriages. A presence of genetic or hormonal factors, uterine problems, blood clotting disorders or cervical weaknesses can be there. Talking about blood clotting disorder first, they are able to bring problems like a recurrent miscarriage. There are some rare disorders of the immune system that can affect the blood flow to the placenta and bring some clots which prevent the proper functioning of placenta, thus depriving the baby from important nutrients and oxygen and may result in miscarriage.

There can be some cases where one partner may frequently pass on an abnormal chromosome that can cause recurrent miscarriage. In order to check for abnormalities in a chromosome, blood tests are available. Even there can be a presence of some rare cases where an imbalance in pregnancy hormones can lead to some conditions like multiple cysts on the ovaries of a woman caused by elevated levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone, that can bring miscarriage. Even if there is a presence of an abnormally shaped womb, it can amplify the chances of having a premature birth and recurrent miscarriage. Some environmental factors can also be responsible for increasing the risk of miscarriage like exposure to certain chemicals, x-rays, drugs, etc.

Recurrent Miscarriage Test

If a woman is facing conditions like recurrent miscarriage, there will be the assistance of some tests by the doctor to identify the problem. There will be a presence of a detailed surgical, medical, genetic and family history. The physician may also take a physical examination. Karyotype analysis can be there of both the partners. One of the reasons behind this type of test is to identify the abnormalities that contain a chance to have in their offspring, resulting in miscarriage. Just because these kinds of abnormalities are relatively rare, the physician may not prefer this to perform unless other, more ordinary, abnormalities are ruled out.

 Another test will be the evaluation of the uterus or womb and the uterine cavity. Talking about the uterine cavity, it can be done with the help of an ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy, saline ultrasound or hysterosalpingogram X-ray. But the first test that is often done is an ultrasound.

There can be a testing of the hormone function and in some cases, thyroid antibodies and thyroid function tests can also be checked. Along with that, there might be a measurement of a hormone named as prolactin, that is responsible for the breast milk production.

Recurrent Miscarriage Treatment

On the basis of the underlying cause of recurrent pregnancy loss, treatments are recommended to the patients. There can be some options like genetic counseling where a specialist can discuss the meaning of genetic abnormality and the probability of having a chromosomally normal or abnormal pregnancy later in the future.

There is an option to prefer in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). A requirement of surgery can be there if there is an abnormality in the uterus, but it will depend on the defect. If conditions like diabetes or thyroid dysfunction are found, the doctor can prescribe some medications to the patient. Even if there is a presence of antiphospholipid syndrome, there are some medications that assist in reducing the blood clot formation. Along with all such things, it becomes a big duty of the patient and her family to take special care at the time of pregnancy. Encouraging and motivating the patient about the fact that everything will be all-right will bring confidence inside her and it will somehow prove productive in her pregnancy period. If you're opting for seeking help from a physician after the recurrent miscarriage, it is important to consult those who are specialized in such cases, so that they could identify the actual cause of the problem.