Is a healthy pregnancy possible after recurrent miscarriage?

Most women who experience recurrent miscarriage, defined by experiencing three miscarriages in a row, can look forward to having a baby the next time they’re pregnant. That is true in 60% of cases. That is even true when medical tests cannot determine the underlying cause of the miscarriage.

Is recurrent miscarriage common?

Approximately one in every 100 women experiences the heartache of recurrent miscarriage. Exactly why some women experience recurrent miscarriage isn’t fully understood; doctors cannot find a cause in about half of cases.

What are the causes of recurrent miscarriage?

Known causes of recurrent miscarriage include a blood-clotting condition, genetic issues, and problems with the uterus or cervix. Dr. Chang can screen for specific health conditions known to lead to miscarriage, including:

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

APS causes abnormal blood clotting that can interfere with your pregnancy. Doctors detect APS by measuring the amount of antiphospholipid, a type of antibody, in your bloodstream. They find the APS antibody in 15-20% of all cases of recurrent miscarriage.

Thrombophilia

Thrombophilia is similar to APS in that it makes your blood more likely to clot, increasing your risk for recurrent miscarriage.

Genetic problems

You or your partner may have a genetic problem that does not create a problem until your baby inherits it. Fertility specialists estimate chromosomal problems account for 2-5% of recurrent miscarriages.

Uterine or cervical problems

Recurrent miscarriages may be the result of a problem with your uterus or cervix, including abnormal shape or weakness.

Polycystic ovaries and hormone imbalance

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common hormonal problem among women of childbearing age, disrupts hormone levels in a way that can cause miscarriage.

Advancing age 

The older you are, the higher your risk for miscarriage. After you turn 35 years old or so, the quantity and quality of your eggs begin to decline. The age of your baby’s father is also a factor. These issues can cause the genetic material to grow incorrectly during fertilization, resulting in a chromosomal abnormality that increases your risk for a miscarriage. 

How is the reason for recurrent miscarriage diagnosed?

At Noble Fertility Center, Dr. Chang may order blood tissue and testing, chromosomal analysis, and ultrasound to look for a treatable issue. All the diagnostic tools and individualized protocols are available at Noble Fertility Center to help you avoid another miscarriage, even if the reason for your circumstances is never determined. 

If you’ve experienced recurrent miscarriage, please reach out to Noble Fertility Center for assistance. Call today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chang.