Miscarriage
"At IVFAustralia we run a Miscarriage Special Interest Group that constantly reviews the latest research on miscarriage to offer the most up-to-date information and treatments. " |
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A miscarriage can be broadly defined as pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks. About 1 in 4 pregnancies miscarry, making this a common occurrence.
Some women will experience more than one consecutive miscarriage. The term recurrent miscarriage is used when women experience three or more consecutive early pregnancy losses (1 in 200 women).
The good news is that the outlook is positive. The vast majority of patients who have experienced a miscarriage will go on to achieve a healthy family. That is little consolation at the time and we at IVFAustralia feel that it is our duty to offer you the best possible care through further investigation, advice and treatment.
What are the causes of miscarriage?
Random chromosome/genetic abnormalities
To achieve a successful pregnancy a chromosomally normal egg needs to join with normal sperm. Then the genes on the chromosomes need to mix in a fashion that allows the embryo to successfully implant into the uterus and grow. It is not surprising that such complex processes sometimes fail to occur perfectly.
About 60-70% of embryos lost in the first 12 weeks show major chromosome abnormalities. These are usually random events that are unlikely to reoccur.
If miscarriage occurs it may be possible to test some pregnancy tissue for chromosome abnormalities. This testing can be arranged through our laboratories.
Parental chromosome
In a small percentage of couples one of the partners carries a chromosome abnormality that if passed on will cause the fetus to be abnormal. In the carrier this may not cause any obvious problem, as the chromosome defect is ‘balanced’ by other normal chromosome material.
Testing of the couple’s chromosomes can be performed with a blood test.
Uterine abnormalities
For the embryo to implant normally the uterine shape is of importance. Abnormalities in the shape of the uterus such as a septum can be associated with miscarriages. Fibroids may also be a cause of pregnancy loss especially if they extend into the uterine cavity or if they are large. These abnormalities can be easily detected and treated by our specialists.
Immune causes
The human immune system can form antibodies that can interfere with normal establishment of the placenta. A blood test can be performed to detect such antibodies and specific treatments can be instituted, if warranted.
Blood clotting disorders
Certain individuals have an increased risk of clot formation (thrombosis) and this may result in the blockage of forming placental blood vessels. These women are also at a higher risk of venous thrombosis of other blood vessels. The most common of these is deep venous thrombosis, or DVT.
Other medical conditions
Endocrine (hormonal) diseases such as thyroid disorders and uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus have been associated with increased occurrence of miscarriages. Obviously many other severe medical conditions can interfere with the wellbeing of the early pregnancy.
Hormone imbalances
Hormone imbalances in the early phase after conception remain a controversial cause of pregnancy loss and infertility. The link between the polycystic ovarian syndrome and miscarriage is widely reported but still not conclusively proven (see IVFAustralia Brochure on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). These issues can be discussed with our experienced clinicians.
Age
With advancing age the random chromosome abnormalities described earlier in this brochure become more common and therefore the risk of miscarriage increases. This is particularly important with women over 35 years of age and of major importance in those over 40.
Finally it needs to be mentioned that obesity, cigarette smoking and excessive caffeine intake may be linked to an increased risk of pregnancy failure.
How can IVFAustralia help?
"It is our aim to offer you the best possible care through further investigation, advice and treatment."
As specialists in reproductive disorders our clinicians have great expertise in the processes of early pregnancy. Our physicians offer a thorough assessment, which includes a medical consultation.
IVFAustralia’s Miscarriage Care Programme provides assistance to couples who have experienced the distress of miscarriage and includes three dedicated steps:
- Initial testing to investigate whether there is a cause for miscarriage, particularly where the miscarriage has happened more than once.
- Specialised care during the next pregnancy. This includes blood tests, hormonal and ultrasound monitoring under the careful supervision of a fertility expert and an experienced nurse.
- The opportunity to take part in miscarriage research that IVFAustralia is undertaking to investigate possible new treatments for miscarriage.
If a treatable cause for miscarriage has been found various therapies are available through our clinicians. These may include such simple measures as the use of low dose Aspirin or more complicated medical therapies. It may involve surgery or occasionally even in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).
At IVFAustralia we run a Miscarriage Special Interest Group that constantly reviews the latest research on miscarriage to offer the most up-to-date information and treatments. IVFAustralia is also actively involved in research in the field of early pregnancy loss.
For further information please contact IVFAustralia on FREECALL 1800 111 IVF (483).
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