One out of five pregnancies ends in
miscarriage. Although miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous
loss of a pregnancy prior to the middle of the second trimester,
most occur within the first 12 weeks. Recurrent miscarriage is a
term typically applied after three successive miscarriages.
Causes are often unknown, but can include structural defects,
genetic defects and medical conditions of the couple or
chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo. Exposure to toxic
substances such as drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine or
environmental hazards such as radiation have also been known to
play a role in miscarriage.
Diagnosis will begin with a
medical history review and physical examination. Additional
testing may include chromosome mapping for genetic defects,
screening for diabetes, thyroid disease and auto immune
disorders, hormone level testing, ovum tracking, endometrial
biopsy, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and
ultrasound. Once a diagnosis has been determined, your physician
may recommend treatment through surgery or medication.
As
heartbreaking as recurrent miscarriage can be, the odds are
eventually in your favor. In women who have previously had a
successful pregnancy prior to recurrent miscarriage, 70% will
have another successful pregnancy. In women who have had no
previous success, 60% will eventually complete a successful
pregnancy. Meanwhile, it can be beneficial to seek emotional
care and resources through the support programs available at
Conceptions.