We know that the loss of a pregnancy can be devastating. Unfortunately, recurrent pregnancy loss affects up to 1 in 20 couples trying to conceive. If this applies to you, seeking the help of a fertility doctor can allow you to investigate any underlying reasons and explore your treatment options.
These include:
Such conditions can distort your uterus, making it difficult to maintain a pregnancy.
Hormones play a key role from ovulation and conception all the way to maintaining a pregnancy and even birth and labour. Conditions involving a disruption of normal hormone levels can increase your risk of recurrent miscarriages, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or poorly controlled diabetes.
Antiphospholipid syndrome is a type of blood clotting disorder. It can increase the risk of miscarriage by affecting the development and function of the placenta, a vital organ needed to support your growing baby.
In around 5% of couples affected by recurrent pregnancy loss, we find a genetic abnormality known as a balanced chromosomal anomaly. This means certain sections of your chromosomes (genetic material) have been rearranged, but you still have the correct number of chromosomes (23 pairs). Though this doesn’t affect your own health, an embryo formed through an egg or sperm with this genetic abnormality has a decreased likelihood of making it through to birth.
We cannot always identify a reason for repeated pregnancy losses. Though this can be difficult to accept, it does not mean that you cannot go on to have a successful pregnancy with assisted reproduction techniques such as IVF.
A consultation with one of our fertility specialists will involve an investigation into the underlying causes of your recurrent miscarriages. This will also include a discussion about any lifestyle factors that may be contributing, such as alcohol intake or excess body weight in pregnancy. You may also have:
Depending on the outcome of our investigations, we may be able to manage the underlying causes of the recurrent pregnancy losses through medications, such as for hormonal disorders or antiphospholipid syndrome.
Surgery to treat an abnormality of the uterus, including fibroids or adhesions, can often be performed through the keyhole laparoscopy procedure. This minimally invasive approach shortens your recovery time compared to conventional open surgery. In addition to supporting a healthy pregnancy, treating these gynaecological conditions can also address related symptoms such as pelvic pain or period abnormalities.
If we can’t pinpoint a reason, research has found that progesterone supplements may reduce the risk of a miscarriage in some women with early pregnancy bleeding and a history of recurrent miscarriage. Progesterone is a hormone that plays a critical role in supporting the lining of the uterus and preparing it for a healthy pregnancy.
IVF or ICSI incorporating preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can help couples and solo mothers to maintain a healthy pregnancy by providing more information to guide embryo selection. PGT allows us to check each embryo for genetic abnormalities before implanting it into your uterus.
More about preimplantation genetic testing
