AN OVERVIEW OF RECURRENT MISCARRIAGE – FROM A DENVER FERTILITY CLINIC

Recurrent Miscarriage Overview

Recurrent miscarriage is defined as three or more failed pregnancies, but most medical experts agree that two or more miscarriages may also be termed recurrent pregnancy loss.  Reproductive endocrinologists and Denver fertility specialists will initiate an investigation to examine if the cause can be determined, and treated, if the woman has had two consecutive miscarriages.

According to medical statistics, two consecutive pregnancy losses occur in up to 5 percent of all couples trying to conceive.  Those who have experienced recurrent miscarriage should follow general recommendations to prevent future pregnancy loss, including:

• Smoking cessation
• Reduced alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Moderate-impact exercise implementation
• Weight control through a healthy lifestyle

Supplementation for women may also be advised to ensure that the diet is rich with vitamins and nutrients needed for viable pregnancy.  A woman may be advised to take prenatal vitamins and extra folic acid to assist with health requirements.

Potential Causes of Recurrent Miscarriage

From chromosomal abnormalities among the parents to contributing male factors, there are a wide variety of potential causes of recurrent miscarriage.  Depending on the nature of the cause, significant testing may be required to determine treatment.

When there are random chromosomal abnormalities suspected in the fetus or parents, blood testing of the fetal tissue and each of the parents is required.  Treatment may consist of IVF Denver with embryo biopsy combined with chromosomal testing in order to improve ongoing pregnancy rates.

Women who are over the age of 40 who show no demonstrable cause for the loss of pregnancy may consider using donor eggs of a younger woman.  Other treatment plans may consist of utilizing IVF techniques with embryo biopsy to identify the aberrant chromosome and then transferring the unaffected embryos to the woman’s uterus.

Hormonal aberrations may also contribute to recurrent miscarriage and in order for a Colorado fertility clinic doctor to determine this cause a variety of blood tests checking hormone levels must be conducted.  Medication may be administered to normalize the thyroid levels, induce normal ovulation or decrease prolactin levels.

Less complicated, although just as serious, are metabolic aberrations.  Blood sugar testing can reveal of there is a metabolic problem occurring.  This is common in women who suffer from diabetes.  Once identified, the treatment may consist of medication and diet modifications to stabilize and normalize blood sugar levels.  

Other contributing factors may consist of uterine abnormalities, alloimmunity, male factors and other unexplained causes.  In nearly half of all cases, no explanation of recurrent miscarriage may be found; even after all testing has been completed.  However, research studies show that the likelihood of subsequent live birth is approximately 65 percent in these couples.