Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)
If you have three or more miscarriages in a row, we call it recurrent miscarriage. Having miscarriage after miscarriage may leave you feeling utterly drained of hope. At times, it may be hard to keep trusting in the future. If you can, try to draw comfort from the fact that most women who experience recurrent losses do go on to have a baby. This is especially the case if tests can find no reason for the losses. Six out of 10 women who have had three miscarriages will go on to have a baby in their next pregnancy.
About one woman in 100 experiences recurrent miscarriage. Frustratingly, it’s often unclear why it keeps happening to some women. We can’t find a reason in about half the cases of recurrent miscarriage. Some health conditions are known to lead to miscarriage. Others have been linked to it, but it’s not fully understood how or why they may play a part.
Few reasons which could cause RPL are
· A problem that makes your blood clot when it shouldn’t. This is called antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), also known as sticky blood syndrome or Hughes syndrome. APS has been found in between 15 per cent and 20 per cent of recurrent miscarriages.
· An inherited blood-clotting disorder, called thrombophilia. It’s similar to APS, but is something you are born with rather than acquire. Thrombophilia means that your blood may be more likely to clot than normal. This could cause recurrent miscarriage.
· Genetic problems. You or your partner may have an abnormality on one of your chromosomes, which doesn’t cause a problem until it is passed on to your baby. Recurrent miscarriage is thought to be linked to chromosomal abnormality for between two per cent and five per cent of couples.
· Problems with your womb (uterus) or cervix. You may have a womb that has an abnormal shape, or a weak cervix.
· Bacterial vaginosis, a vaginal infection, increases the risk of late miscarriage and premature birth.
· A problem with your hormones. Some conditions, such as polycystic ovaries have been linked to recurrent miscarriage. But, as yet, it’s not fully understood why they are linked and how well treatments work.
· It may simply be that your age is having an effect. The older you are, the more likely you are to experience miscarriage. The age of your baby’s father may also increase the risk of miscarriage.
If your miscarriages are unexplained then you have a good chance of having a successful pregnancy in the future. You’ll be looked after very carefully and given extra support and scans from the beginning of your pregnancy.
We at little miracles work as a team to look after you in an early pregnancy unit (EPU).we provide special tests including blood tests and chromosomal abnormality testing along with ultrasonography and even minor surgeries to help you prevent any further pregnancy losses. This close care and support in itself can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. About three quarters of women who have unexplained recurrent losses have a healthy baby eventually with the right support and care.
It can be very hard if you’re feeling so knocked back by all your losses that you’re not sure if you can face losing another baby. Having lots of support can help. Talk to close friends, family and us about how you feel.