Miscarriage: Causes, Risk Factors & Pregnancy After Loss
Miscarriage
If a lady had a miscarriage, it does not mean she has a fertility problem. About 80% of women who have miscarriages have subsequently normal pregnancies and births.
Most miscarriages occur within the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Most of the miscarriages that occur in the first trimester are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the father's sperm or the mother's egg.
Miscarriages can also be caused by other factors such as:
- Infection
- Hormonal irregularities
- Advanced Maternal age
- Uterine abnormalities
- Incompetent cervix - cervix begins to open in the middle of pregnancy, without signs of pain or labor
- Lifestyle factors -- smoking, drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs
- Others - Autoimmune disease, Severe kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, radiation exposure
- Thrombophilias
In women with recurrent miscarriage (if a woman has two or more miscarriages in a row), they need
- In women with recurrent miscarriage (if a woman has two or more miscarriages in a row), they need :
- Blood tests
- Genetic test
- Endometrial biopsy
- Hysterosalpingogram (X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes)
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy
Pregnancy after miscarriage
- About 80% of woman who have miscarriages may subsequently have normal pregnancies and births.
- About 1% of women might have recurrent miscarriage (two or more).
- Tests to evaluate the underlying cause and treatment in subsequent pregnancy to reduce the risk is recommended
- Although there is no recommended waiting period to attempt pregnancy, it is appropriate to discuss with our doctor. It is important to not that it takes time to recover both physically and emotionally following a miscarriage.
- To prevent another miscarriage, we often recommend several empirical and supportive treatments, which have shown to give good results and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage and fertility care at Southern Gem Hospital in Hyderabad.
Does a miscarriage mean a woman has a fertility problem?
No. If a woman has had a miscarriage, it does not necessarily mean she has a fertility problem. About 80% of women who have miscarriages subsequently have normal pregnancies and births. Most miscarriages occur within the first 3 months of pregnancy.
What are the causes of miscarriage?
Most miscarriages in the first trimester are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the father's sperm or the mother's egg. Other causes include infection, hormonal irregularities, advanced maternal age, uterine abnormalities, incompetent cervix, lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs, autoimmune disease, severe kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, radiation exposure, and thrombophilias.
What is recurrent miscarriage?
Recurrent miscarriage is defined as two or more miscarriages in a row. About 1% of women might have recurrent miscarriage. Women with recurrent miscarriage may need evaluation including blood tests, genetic tests, endometrial biopsy, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), hysteroscopy and laparoscopy to identify the underlying cause.
What tests are done for recurrent miscarriage?
Women with recurrent miscarriage, defined as two or more miscarriages in a row, may require the following investigations:
1. Blood tests
2. Genetic tests
3. Endometrial biopsy
4. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG – X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes)
5. Hysteroscopy
6. Laparoscopy
Can a woman get pregnant again after a miscarriage?
Yes. About 80% of women who have miscarriages may subsequently have normal pregnancies and births. Tests to evaluate the underlying cause and appropriate treatment in a subsequent pregnancy to reduce the risk may be recommended. Although there is no universally recommended waiting period to attempt pregnancy, it is appropriate to discuss this with a doctor. It is also important to allow time for physical and emotional recovery following a miscarriage.
How can another miscarriage be prevented?
To help reduce the risk of another miscarriage, Southern Gem Hospital may recommend empirical and supportive treatments based on the evaluation of the underlying cause of the previous miscarriage or miscarriages. Treatment is tailored to the individual patient's needs and medical history.
Does Southern Gem Hospital treat recurrent miscarriage?
Yes. Southern Gem Hospital, Hyderabad conducts special recurrent miscarriage clinics aimed at treating women with previous miscarriages, helping them achieve pregnancy and carry it through to viability. The clinic also provides care for already pregnant women to help reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Treatment is led by Dr. Sweta Agarwal, Director of Fertility and Gynaecology.
Basheerbagh: +91 40 6658 5555
Banjara Hills: +91 91778 20007
Email: info@southerngem.in