Treating recurrent pregnancy loss
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is the loss of two or more clinical pregnancies before 20 weeks of pregnancy. A clinical pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy confirmed by a medical provider using an ultrasound. Our San Antonio OBGYNs encourage women experiencing recurrent miscarriage to seek medical care to diagnose the cause and identify ways to increase the viability of future pregnancies.
The causes leading to recurrent miscarriage
What causes recurrent miscarriage? Identifying the cause of RPL can be difficult, and in fact, 50% of people who experience it never find the underlying cause.
The most common known causes are genetic, anatomical, medical and lifestyle-related.
- Genetic – The majority of first-trimester miscarriages are due to genetic abnormalities of the embryo, including a missing or extra chromosome. When a chromosomal abnormality occurs, the embryo often does not develop into a healthy, full-term baby.
- Anatomical – The mother’s anatomy can interfere with a baby’s development. An unusually shaped uterus or a uterine septum (when a band of tissue divides the uterus) are the most common anatomic causes of RPL.
- Medical – Medical conditions, including uterine fibroids and polyps, can lead to pregnancy loss. Untreated medical conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, are associated with higher rates of miscarriage.
- Lifestyle choices – Smoking, drug use, obesity, alcohol and caffeine are all factors that can contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss.
Time for medical intervention
After a second clinical miscarriage, it is important that a woman and her partner schedule an appointment with her OBGYN to identify potential causes of recurrent pregnancy loss. The doctor will take a medical history for both partners and perform a medical exam on the woman. Testing, including blood work and imaging, may be done.
Blood work for both the woman and man offers information about infections, blood disorders and genetic mutations.
An ultrasound of the patient’s uterus can provide useful images of the structure of the uterus, as well as the presence of fibroids or polyps that can cause miscarriage.
Addressing an identified cause for recurrent pregnancy loss
If a cause is identified, the OBGYN will develop a treatment plan for increasing the viability of a future pregnancy. Procedures can be performed to remove fibroids, polyps or a uterine septum. Lifestyle changes, including weight loss, eliminating smoking, and reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, are beneficial to many women experiencing recurrent miscarriage.
When a genetic cause is identified, IVF with genetic screening is a consideration. For medical conditions such as thyroid disease or a clotting disorder, medication may be prescribed.
There is reason for hope
Even when no cause of miscarriage is found, a successful pregnancy is still possible. Women who have experienced three miscarriages have a 60% to 80% chance of carrying a pregnancy to full-term.
Recurrent pregnancy loss is emotionally, mentally and physically difficult. The process of trying to find a cause and treatment can add to the stress. Our San Antonio OBGYNs are available to provide the medical care you need in a caring, compassionate environment. Contact Legacy Women’s Health to begin the process.
