THE REASONS BEHIND RECURRENT MISCARRIAGES

The majority of miscarriages are due to genetic or chromosomal abnormalities and are random occurrences. The abnormality may be caused by the sperm, the egg, or the early embryo. Research estimates that 30-60% of all conceptions will end before 12 weeks gestation. Interestingly, half of the time the woman has no idea she was ever pregnant. Though the cause of miscarriage cannot always be pinpointed, the following conditions have been known to contribute to recurrent miscarriages.

The possibility of miscarriage jumps if there have been previous miscarriages. As women age, the risk of miscarriage increases as well. This is likely because of poor egg quality, which can lead to genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. In some cases, the father or mother might have an irregularity in their genes that could end up severely affecting any offspring. In these cases, the body will likely respond in miscarriage.

The structure of the woman’s uterus can also contribute to recurrent miscarriages. For instance, in certain women, a tissue (uterine septum) will divide the uterine cavity into sections. The septum lacks sufficient blood supply and is not ideal for the placenta to attach to or grow. In other cases, fibroid tumors can interfere when the embryo is in the implantation stage and affect the embryo’s blood supply.

Specific hormonal issues can lead to an enhanced risk of miscarriage. Cushing’s Syndrome, thyroid disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are examples of hormonal conditions that can increase miscarriage.

Diabetes can be managed perfectly well during pregnancy. However, if proper care is not paid to controlling diabetes, the risk of miscarriage grows, and significant birth defects can result. For those with diabetes, it is vital to control blood sugars during pregnancy.

Collagen vascular diseases (autoimmune diseases) are the serious health condition that results in a person’s immune system attacking their organs. These conditions are a major cause for concern during or between pregnancies.  A blood test will be given to finding out if the woman has the abnormal antibodies associated with these diseases.